Use of the word "lost" in the first Insider article (see right hand column) is unhelpful and potentially misleading. "Losing" a political office normally implies defeat in a contested election and, therefore, an element of failure. The truth is that Cllr Keith R Mitchell served his full three-year term as Chairman of the South East England Regional Assembly. At the end of the three years and, in accordance with his own political group's rules, he stood down to make way for a new Chairman who is Cllr Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council.
Ipsos-Mori, sponsored by the Municipal Journal (04/07/08), recently ranked Cllr Mitchell 5th in a poll of the "most influential council leaders in the country". The Local Government Chronicle (17/07/08) recently said of him "Has clashed with the government over regional policy but is highly respected by his peers".
Neither national media comments reflect the Insider's insinuation of failure implied in his language.
The reporting here implies that a Conservative council has taken a political decision on a planning matter. This is utterly untrue. The decision on this issue was a split one with a majority of one. Conservative members of this committee were split on the decision with some supporting the application and some opposing. There were present: 7 Conservatives 3; Liberals; 2 Labour and 1 Green.
WHO IS THE INSIDER?
This is a closely guarded journalistic secret but the hot money at County Hall, based on the journalistic style and the keen determination to root out the truth, is Giles Sheldrick.
He is pictured here with a humble pie specially baked for him and presented after a previous Sheldrick story.
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