That this House notes with concern the announcement of the Liberal Democrat leader of Berkshire County Council, Councillor R. Mowatt, to defect to the Conservatives in order to secure a place on the Conservative candidates list for the 1999 European elections following an approach from Conservative Central Office; notes that Councillor Mowatt is the subject of the ongoing police and District Auditor investigations into allegations of substantial and widespread irregularities into his various council expenses claims and other financial matters; calls upon Councillor Mowatt not to further mislead the people of Berkshire and to resign immediately as leader of Berkshire County Council; and asks that leadership of the Liberal Democrat Party make their position clear on this issue.

That this House notes with concern the announcement of the Liberal Democrat leader of Berkshire County Council, Councillor R. Mowatt, to defect to the Conservatives in order to secure a place on the Conservative candidates list for the 1999 European elections following an approach from Conservative Central Office; notes that...