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Proceeding contribution from Mark Francois (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 9 July 2008. It occurred during Ministerial statement on Communities in Control.


Communities in Control

The answer to the right hon. Lady's question is yes. It is an important facet of our local democracy that council officers, particularly senior officers, are seen to be politically neutral and to provide neutral advice to councillors. The so-called Widdicombe rules have ensured that for many years, so is it not rather a sad day when the party of Government is so desperate to find candidates in southern England that they have to tamper with those well-established rules, which keep the jobs of councillor and of officer firmly apart?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
478 c1428 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Community development Councillors Democracy Digital technology Finance Information Electoral register Local government Local government services Public participation Voluntary organisations Voluntary work Petitions
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk