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Colchester: rainbow to break the deadlock?
RIVAL politicians could be set to enter a power-sharing deal after the Tories lost overall control of Colchester in local elections.
The four political groups are looking at a possible all-party "rainbow coalition" at Town Hall.
Conservatives, Lib Dems, Labour and High Woods independents would share seats on the council's ruling cabinet if the move gets the green light.
Group leaders held one-to-one talks with each other over the weekend.
The coalition plan was put forward by Lib Dem leader Martin Hunt to break the political stalemate at the hung council.
Without it, the larger Tory or Lib Dem groups would be forced into deals with Labour or independents to wield power.
"We decided that the best solution in light of the election results would be to offer an all-party coalition," said Mr Hunt.
He said a rainbow coalition would help put the brakes on "unpopular" policies.
"Over-development has to be slowed down," he said. "It can't be stopped, but it will be a damn sight better with an all-party administration which has a different take on things."
Council leader and Tory group chief Robert Davidson is due to put the proposals to his party on Wednesday. No decision will be made before then, but it certainly is an option," he said.
Labour leader Tim Young's group will also discuss the coalition plan on Wednesday.
"It is something we are talking about - negotiations are ongoing," he said.
Highwoods Independents' leader Gerard Oxford said he liked the coalition idea, but thrashing out the details could be "nightmarish".
If a rainbow coalition gets the go-ahead, Tories and Lib Dems are each expected to have three seats on the cabinet, with Labour and the independents getting one each.
Party group leaders are due to meet executive chiefs later this week to discuss how the council moves forward.
8:26am Monday 5th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Edmund Chinnery, Highwoods on 2:03pm Mon 5 May 08
As long as this deal if so also sorts out all this development that so far as had not much in the way of community amenities which still lag behind nearby towns and to say nothing of else where.
The devil is going to be in the detail as to which gets what. But hopefully considering the elections results that it should galvanize the new cabinet. One thing is for sure council policies over the last 15 years mean it is held in low esteem so much so less than half of voters voted.
As long as this deal if so also sorts out all this development that so far as had not much in the way of community amenities which still lag behind nearby towns and to say nothing of else where.
The devil is going to be in the detail as to which gets what. But hopefully considering the elections results that it should galvanize the new cabinet. One thing is for sure council policies over the last 15 years mean it is held in low esteem so much so less than half of voters voted.
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Colchester on 3:05pm Mon 5 May 08
Sure proof as if proof was needed that the Lib Lab Con are in it together. The recent election was a waste of time and I am sure that many people like myself will feel that we wasted our time voting for the three main parties and the Highwoods Independent party. Colchester will still be an overpriced and over taxed dump next year and but these parties won't have anyone to blame but themselves. What a con job.
Sure proof as if proof was needed that the Lib Lab Con are in it together. The recent election was a waste of time and I am sure that many people like myself will feel that we wasted our time voting for the three main parties and the Highwoods Independent party. Colchester will still be an overpriced and over taxed dump next year and but these parties won't have anyone to blame but themselves. What a con job.
Posted by: Alex, Colchester on 4:57pm Mon 5 May 08
It is good to see the politicians putting party politics aside to work together for the benefit of Colchester. I look forward to seeing the parties slow the development in Colchester and bring in more facilities.
It is good to see the politicians putting party politics aside to work together for the benefit of Colchester. I look forward to seeing the parties slow the development in Colchester and bring in more facilities.
Posted by: Cliff, Colchester on 6:07pm Mon 5 May 08
I thought the result of the election showed that the voters want all the parties working together. I don't understand quite what Flat Foot Susie is getting at. Does she want BNP or Green instead? Look at the figures. No-one can govern without joining others - what's her preferred option?
I thought the result of the election showed that the voters want all the parties working together. I don't understand quite what Flat Foot Susie is getting at. Does she want BNP or Green instead? Look at the figures. No-one can govern without joining others - what's her preferred option?
Posted by: An Angry Voter, Colchester on 6:47pm Mon 5 May 08
I agree with Flat Foot Soozie. It's obvious there is no difference between the three main parties. They try to trick the electorate in to believeing that they are different but in reality they are the same. It might be a good idea to vote for one of the fringe parties in future such as the Greens or even the BNP.
I agree with Flat Foot Soozie. It's obvious there is no difference between the three main parties. They try to trick the electorate in to believeing that they are different but in reality they are the same. It might be a good idea to vote for one of the fringe parties in future such as the Greens or even the BNP.
Posted by: Steve, Colchester on 6:57pm Mon 5 May 08
I will be voting BNP in future as they offer many of the things that I want in their manifesto:
1) A reduced, simplified and flat rate tax system.
2) Raise tax free allowance to £15,000
3) Withdrawl from the European Union
4) Renationalisation of Gas, Water, Electricity and British Rail
5) Protection for British farming and manufacturing
I will be voting BNP in future as they offer many of the things that I want in their manifesto:
1) A reduced, simplified and flat rate tax system.
2) Raise tax free allowance to £15,000
3) Withdrawl from the European Union
4) Renationalisation of Gas, Water, Electricity and British Rail
5) Protection for British farming and manufacturing
Posted by: Andy Hamilton, Lexden on 9:48pm Mon 5 May 08
Councillor Davidson publicly states in the EADT that "two thirds (of the electorate) did not turnout so they are satisfied with what is happening in the town"! Perhaps if he bought the local papers he might realise people see Colchester council as a failed institution.
For example in Acland Avenue our nice flagstone paving was destroyed and all we have is uneven cracked tarmac. Despite informing Colchester councillors and our Essex County Councillor no apology was given for the shoddy work. Years later, nothing has been done to rectify this and no one takes responsibility.
For forty years we have been waiting for a Park and Ride. Unlike Chelmsford and Ipswich, the temporary solution has no access to the A12 and it is still subject to interminable legal discussions.
The hideous Visual Arts Facility was forced on Colchester despite a huge majority opposed to it. A referendum was refused by Colchester council because they knew they would lose. The local paper organised an internet survey that showed most opposed the VAF. I emailed every Colchester councillor. Only TWO out of SIXTY admitted wanting the present VAF but it still got voted through. Colcestrians will be paying £600,000 minimum every year for something we did not want and never needed in the first place! Is this democracy?
Something happens to councillors when they enter the Town hall. It is as if they have no independant thought and have to follow the party line. Colchester council is a weak and ineffective organisation. It has become an activity centre for retired business people at the taxpayers' expense. It would be better to abandon the unworkable Town council and County council organisation. With a unitary authority, at least there would be someone who took responsibility and had the power to change things. As it is Colchester Council is run by eight people who can ignore the other councillors. The only reason they will listen is if a few lose their jobs. Happily two got the push this time and this seems to have galvanised the rest of our ruling oligarchy! Hopefully they will stop wasting more taxpayers' money on the VAF - that structurally deficient carbuncle. I do not see why taxpayers should pay for this monument to councillors' egos.
Councillor Davidson publicly states in the EADT that "two thirds (of the electorate) did not turnout so they are satisfied with what is happening in the town"! Perhaps if he bought the local papers he might realise people see Colchester council as a failed institution.
For example in Acland Avenue our nice flagstone paving was destroyed and all we have is uneven cracked tarmac. Despite informing Colchester councillors and our Essex County Councillor no apology was given for the shoddy work. Years later, nothing has been done to rectify this and no one takes responsibility.
For forty years we have been waiting for a Park and Ride. Unlike Chelmsford and Ipswich, the temporary solution has no access to the A12 and it is still subject to interminable legal discussions.
The hideous Visual Arts Facility was forced on Colchester despite a huge majority opposed to it. A referendum was refused by Colchester council because they knew they would lose. The local paper organised an internet survey that showed most opposed the VAF. I emailed every Colchester councillor. Only TWO out of SIXTY admitted wanting the present VAF but it still got voted through. Colcestrians will be paying £600,000 minimum every year for something we did not want and never needed in the first place! Is this democracy?
Something happens to councillors when they enter the Town hall. It is as if they have no independant thought and have to follow the party line. Colchester council is a weak and ineffective organisation. It has become an activity centre for retired business people at the taxpayers' expense. It would be better to abandon the unworkable Town council and County council organisation. With a unitary authority, at least there would be someone who took responsibility and had the power to change things. As it is Colchester Council is run by eight people who can ignore the other councillors. The only reason they will listen is if a few lose their jobs. Happily two got the push this time and this seems to have galvanised the rest of our ruling oligarchy! Hopefully they will stop wasting more taxpayers' money on the VAF - that structurally deficient carbuncle. I do not see why taxpayers should pay for this monument to councillors' egos.
Posted by: Ex Tory Voter, Colchester on 10:31pm Mon 5 May 08
Councillor Davidson is quoted as stating in the EADT that "two thirds (of the electorate) did not turnout so they are satisfied with what is happening in the town".
If this is what Tory Councillor Davidson (or any other Colchester councillor)then they are they are off their chuck.
Councillor Davidson is quoted as stating in the EADT that "two thirds (of the electorate) did not turnout so they are satisfied with what is happening in the town".
If this is what Tory Councillor Davidson (or any other Colchester councillor)then they are they are off their chuck.
Posted by: Ian Burrit, Brooklands-Jaywick on 11:32pm Mon 5 May 08
I really dont know what to say about this rainbow party ethics.
OK i`m an outsider to colchester.
I drive into colchester, i sometimes shop in colchester.
I attend hospital in colchester.
Would i live in colchester ? no siree bob i would not.
Some of its newer higher rise buildings are allready modern day slums.
Some of its newer estates are modern day slums.
What chance has the aspiring homeowner who at onetime wanted to buy into higher life living feel, a year or two down the line after the place is falling to bits.
I know all about places falling to bits, our community has been living on a shoe string expendature from Tendring District Council for years, BUT,
most of us are happy, resillient and community bonded in togetherness, to live happy peacefull lives while we sit and watch Colchester tearing itself apart.....
At least we have some sort of regeneration programme one day to look foreward too...
I really dont know what to say about this rainbow party ethics.
OK i`m an outsider to colchester.
I drive into colchester, i sometimes shop in colchester.
I attend hospital in colchester.
Would i live in colchester ? no siree bob i would not.
Some of its newer higher rise buildings are allready modern day slums.
Some of its newer estates are modern day slums.
What chance has the aspiring homeowner who at onetime wanted to buy into higher life living feel, a year or two down the line after the place is falling to bits.
I know all about places falling to bits, our community has been living on a shoe string expendature from Tendring District Council for years, BUT,
most of us are happy, resillient and community bonded in togetherness, to live happy peacefull lives while we sit and watch Colchester tearing itself apart.....
At least we have some sort of regeneration programme one day to look foreward too...
Posted by: Out with Davidson!, Colchester on 7:37am Tue 6 May 08
Why would you want to vote rascist pigs in such as the BNP?? They are nothing more than vermin and skum!
At least the parties are trying to work together, but I bet that prat Robert Davidson and his Tory Cronies decide to try and go it alone to further screw up Colchester. That man is as thick as pig sh*t!
Why would you want to vote rascist pigs in such as the BNP?? They are nothing more than vermin and skum!
At least the parties are trying to work together, but I bet that prat Robert Davidson and his Tory Cronies decide to try and go it alone to further screw up Colchester. That man is as thick as pig sh*t!
Posted by: Oh Dear!!, Colchester on 3:08pm Tue 6 May 08
What you don't seem to understand is that it's the LABOUR GOVERNMENT that has dictated how much new housing is to be built in Colchester. If a planning application is refused, the developer simply goes to Gordon and says that we won't play with them. Gordon then takes all our toys away and makes us sit in the corner with no tea (and no grants for things such as 'free' bus passes - that cost us all dearly, whatever our age). Wake up to the Goverment agenda and how it's being played out.
What you don't seem to understand is that it's the LABOUR GOVERNMENT that has dictated how much new housing is to be built in Colchester. If a planning application is refused, the developer simply goes to Gordon and says that we won't play with them. Gordon then takes all our toys away and makes us sit in the corner with no tea (and no grants for things such as 'free' bus passes - that cost us all dearly, whatever our age). Wake up to the Goverment agenda and how it's being played out.
Posted by: love colchester, Colchester on 9:42pm Tue 6 May 08
All this rainbow coalition is, is a ploy by the lib dems to con the readers that all the parties can work together and they will all live happily ever after. All the lib dems will do is lie and scheme just like they always do and stab all us residents in the back. The lib dems have no vinesse and no intelligence to run the Council. They will stop every idea to make this town better just because they can and they will all be dictated to by Bob Russell who should be more concerned at promoting Colchester rather than running it down. He calls himself an MP! He does not care for Colchester in Parliament but wants to run the Council himself. He ran their campaign with their lies and if the lib dems gain control he will run the Council leaving no one to look after the bigger interests of the town. He is the one who should be going to parliamant and asking the government why they keep demanding we build more houses.
All this rainbow coalition is, is a ploy by the lib dems to con the readers that all the parties can work together and they will all live happily ever after. All the lib dems will do is lie and scheme just like they always do and stab all us residents in the back. The lib dems have no vinesse and no intelligence to run the Council. They will stop every idea to make this town better just because they can and they will all be dictated to by Bob Russell who should be more concerned at promoting Colchester rather than running it down. He calls himself an MP! He does not care for Colchester in Parliament but wants to run the Council himself. He ran their campaign with their lies and if the lib dems gain control he will run the Council leaving no one to look after the bigger interests of the town. He is the one who should be going to parliamant and asking the government why they keep demanding we build more houses.
Posted by: Cliff, Colchester on 1:17am Wed 7 May 08
Accepting that 'love' is a rampant Tory - obviously - he or she would think the Lib Dem leaflets were all lies. In fact it was the Tory leaflets that were all lies - like saying the Lib Dems were in favour of having spy cameras in waste bins - what? - we don't have waste bins in this town so that's obviously rubbish (pun) or are the Tories planning to spend millions of our money on bringing them in?
It is true that the Government wants more development everywehere, but it's the Tories who volunteered to have this much in Colchester. Anyway it won't matter, the economic turndown will stop most of it in its tracks. Good old Labour!
Accepting that 'love' is a rampant Tory - obviously - he or she would think the Lib Dem leaflets were all lies. In fact it was the Tory leaflets that were all lies - like saying the Lib Dems were in favour of having spy cameras in waste bins - what? - we don't have waste bins in this town so that's obviously rubbish (pun) or are the Tories planning to spend millions of our money on bringing them in?
It is true that the Government wants more development everywehere, but it's the Tories who volunteered to have this much in Colchester. Anyway it won't matter, the economic turndown will stop most of it in its tracks. Good old Labour!
Posted by: love colchester, Colchester on 8:52pm Thu 8 May 08
Why do I have to be a Tory to Love Colchester. All I do is care for the town and I will float between parties where I see necessary - however it does not take a high IQ to see the lib dems won on lies. Of course we have rubbish bins in the town - does the budget for bin emptying lie around doing nothing...NO! The budget is spent emptying the bins that are there and that the lib dems want to tax and spy on. House holders will also pay even more than under the present Labour govt due to the bin taxes the Lib dems want to bring in - look at their parties manifesto.
Why do I have to be a Tory to Love Colchester. All I do is care for the town and I will float between parties where I see necessary - however it does not take a high IQ to see the lib dems won on lies. Of course we have rubbish bins in the town - does the budget for bin emptying lie around doing nothing...NO! The budget is spent emptying the bins that are there and that the lib dems want to tax and spy on. House holders will also pay even more than under the present Labour govt due to the bin taxes the Lib dems want to bring in - look at their parties manifesto.
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