Balfour House - Municipal Conservative HQ

[Smid]

I firmly believe that Councillor Finlay-Hamilton has a keen understanding of the threat of the Socialists and their radical plans to change the character of our local neighbourhoods. Likewise, I believe he understands the threat of the Liberals, who are focusing on some of our previously-safer wards. We have lost three elections, and we failed to strengthen our position at the recent election. The Socialists are entrenched in City Hall and it is unlikely we will be able to claw our way out of opposition at the next election - it will most likely take us at least two elections to gain a majority as we seem to have squandered the opportunity presented to us at the election just held. Other Councillors may also have a suitable grasp of the dire circumstances our party finds itself in, and I note that Councillor Atkinson is prepared to assume the mantle of leadership, however of one thing I am sure: we need a change, and if Councillor Finlay-Hamilton is not willing to lead us through these dark days, I will support Councillor Atkinson.

[Sibboleth]

Councillor Berry: Edwin Knight has sixteen votes, Bernard Atkinson nine. Five councillors appear to have abstained. Councillor Knight remains the leader of the MCP group and will now proceed to allocate committee places.

[Sibboleth]

Knight spends a couple of minutes checking through a list drawn up earlier and makes marks with his pen. It is uncertain whether changes are being made or whether he merely wants it to look as though changes are being made. When he stands up and reads out the names, most of the senior committee members - those who shadow the Chairmen - remain the same, although Atkinson has been shuffled down from Public Works to Watch. Eventually he reaches the backbench councillors...

Cllr. Knight: Councillor Douglas Finlay-Hamilton has been appointed to the Public Works Committee, to the Finance Committee and to the Arts & Leisure Committee.

Councillor John Fredericks has been appointed to the Stovesby Local Education Authority, to the Housing Committee and to the Public Health Committee.

...

Councillor David Pitman has been appointed to the Watch Committee, to the Public Health Committee and to the Welfare Committee.

[afleitch]

Cllr Finlay-Hamilton nods upon hearing his appointments.

Thank you Mr Knight. If I may excuse myself as soon as the meeting has concluded. I have other business to attend to. I will of course make myself available again upon my return.

[Sibboleth]

Councillor Knight: of course, of course.

[Smid]

Thank you, Councillor Knight. I congratulate you on your leadership win and pledge you my support.