REDDITCH county councillor Joe Baker has hit out at a ‘gagging order’ handed down by County Hall chiefs in Worcester.
The outspoken Labour member for Arrow Valley East, who is also Mayor of Redditch, has been a passionate campaigner in the fight to save the borough’s children’s centres from possible cuts and closures.
The planned cuts would see the child care budget cut from £6.4million to just £3million.
However, now members opposed to the cuts have been told to behave themselves and speak politely when doing business in the council chamber by the Conservative leadership.
“It’s ridiculous – we’re speaking out on behalf of the ordinary people of this county who are facing massive cuts to services,” said Coun Baker.
However, his latest outburst ruffled more than a few feathers.
“It was said that nobody cared for the children’s centres so I stood up and called on the public gallery to give a cheer and let the chamber know that they do care, and they did, and that apparently got me into trouble,” said Coun Baker.
“I’m all for politeness and respect, but I’ve been elected by the people of Arrow Valley East and if I see anything that might put them in harm’s way then I will speak out.”
Simon Mallinson, head of legal and democratic services, said: “During the routine cross-party briefing ahead of full Council today (November 10), political party leaders or their representatives were reminded of the conduct that is expected of elected councillors to ensure that democratic business is dealt with in an orderly fashion.
“As a council, we always encourage good behaviour amongst our councillors.”
