Were Tory claims slanderous?

At the meeting on May 20th, Cllr Thompson denigrated the Executive, claiming that its members were 'inexperienced', 'talentless' and 'inept'.

Cllr Thompson reacted angrily to Cllr Chatt's accusation of slander, and has made a detailed defence of his attack on the Executive's record over the past year.

Cllr Thompson said: My colleagues and I, including other opposition members refused to support the Executive as their performance over the past year hardly inspired any confidence. I cited their inexperience, lack of understanding of their portfolios or appreciation for the meaning of the word democracy and their ineptness as being evident. Cllr Chatt as ringmaster of the lot, was upset by my comments and considered it slander.''

However, a year ago, Cllr Chatt defended his Executive saying that they were all experienced and raring to go. In that time, they have spent precious taxpayers' funds having away-days to strengthen their working relationships and gain experience. They have replaced two councillors - so does that mean that they will have to start all over again?

In March, Cllr Chatt and his colleagues approved the highest council tax increase that this borough has had since the introduction of the council tax.

Over the past year, we had a Lead-Member for Housing, who on a number of occasions refused to answer questions, and once even deferred her responsibility to the Chamber, and democratic process to officers. Thankfully, she has since been reallocated to another portfolio.

We have an Executive Member who has never brought a report to Committee in council - what has she been doing during the year?

We have a Deputy Leader who wrote to opposition members expressing his concerns about the number of detailed questions councillors were asking in the Council Chamber. He even asked for 24 hours notice in future!

We have an Executive who, in the face of not only the cross party scrutiny process but also independent advice, still insists on having two unaccountable people on the board of Hounslow Homes.

We have an Executive who refuses to let a non-Labour Member on the Hounslow Community Police Consultative Partnership, even though their current constitution calls for political balance to be reflected.

We have an Executive determined to close John Aird House based on incomplete information, contrary to the wishes of the elderly residents, their families and at the potential detriment to their well-being.

If the above is untrue, which would be a basis for slander, I will freely admit my guilt!''

Responding to Cllr. Thompson's comments, Cllr. Chatt said this week:

I'm glad to see that Cllr. Thompson has admitted his guilt. We have a wealth of experience on the Executive, for instance, Cllr Sharma was elected a Councillor in May 1974, when Cllr. Thompson was probably still wearing short trousers.

It is good business practice for the Executive to hold away-days - a tool that is used by the senior management in many private companies. Out of this, the Executive has put together its business plan and a robust response to our Corporate Performance Assessment.

We produced a good and prudent budget this year, and maybe Cllr. Thompson should check with his colleagues in Conservative authorities concerning their massive tax hikes before he criticises Hounslow.

I am bemused by Cllr Thompson's comment about the Executive member who had never brought a report to full Council. I can only presume that he means Cllr. Ruth Cadbury (Brentford ward). Before making this allegation, Cllr. Thompson should check the borough's constitution. Not all Executive reports have to go to full Council, and Cllr. Cadbury has brought numerous reports to public meetings of the Executive. As Cllr. Thompson seems to be unaware of this fact, maybe it is because he does not read the Executive agendas when he receives his copy.''

May 30, 2003 12:30