Gordon Williams

22nd Feb 2004

Gordon Williams, independent Councillor for Pinner South, looks set to save the day for Labour on Thursday's budget vote.

Elected as a Conservative in 2002, Cllr Williams quickly fell out with his colleagues and declared himself independent later in the year. However, he did not resign and seek electoral approval from the residents of Pinner South, and voted for Labour's massive council tax rise in February 2003. He has indicated that he intends to repeat this during the full council budget vote on Thursday.

He has given various reasons for his past actions. In the Harrow Observer (30-Jan-03) he is is quoted as saying that "as a practising Christian he was finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile the machinations of the Harrow Conservative group with the teachings of Holy Scripture". He is also on record as saying that voting for Labour's budget last year would show up how bad Labour really was, boosting the Tory's electoral appeal - he was acting in "the long-term good of the conservative party". The local Tory party doesn't share his view.

Cllr Williams made a pre-vote speech to the council last year, before opting for the Labour budget, and concluded with these words:

"Personally I abhor this swingeing Council Tax increase.

However, that is, in effect, what the people of Harrow voted for when they marginally voted in Labour last May.

That gives Labour A DEMOCRATIC MANDATE to bring in their preferred budget..."

"As Councillors we are legally bound to agree a Budget.

I have always voted Conservative and believe that Conservative policies would be better for Harrow.

After a great deal of thought and soul searching, I believe it right that, whilst Labour have more seats than any other party, the democratic will of the people should prevail, and Labour should be allowed to sort out the financial mess and difficulties which this Council now faces."

Make of this what you will. However, it appears that Gordon Williams may not be fully aware of the views of local residents - including those who voted for him and who he is morally obliged to represent. It would be a tragedy if the budget was lost due to such a misunderstanding so if you are represented by Cllr Williams it would be a good idea to let him know your views. You might point out that over 23,000 Harrow residents have signed the same petition.

You can email him as gordon.g.v.williams@btinternet.com, or write to him at

Cllr Gordon Williams

'Gable'

24 Cuckoo Hill Road

PINNER

HA5 1AY

The HCTC suggest you do not telephone unless absolutely necessary and avoid personals visits other than to post letters.

UPDATE: Gordon Williams' statement 25-Feb-04