Richard Gale, Rutland Anti-Corruption Group, Comment

The Special Council meeting took place last night regarding the report written by Bevan Brittan on three councillor's 'actions', me being one of them.

I abstained from the vote largely because there had been so much incorrect and irrelevent information relied on to bring other councillors to the motion being put. I was informed by the chairman that the meeting was not being recorded verbatum so took notes myself. Interesting times ahead. The Council are prepared to pay upto £90,000 to bring a legal case against us three, the Rutland Anti-Corruption Group, and the legal advice we have received so far is that there is no case to fight. The disappointing thing about this is that the Council Leadership could have done so much to prevent it getting to this stage. We have asked on many occasions for meetings. What is the driving force of the council leadership to take it 'to the wall?'  That will hopefully now come out with the case being taken to court. I remain positive and  ready to move forward.

Tim Parker Political Reporter, BBC Leicester, Rutland Anti-Corruption Group, Localism Act

 Tim Parker Political Reporter, BBC Leicester

So Rutland Anti-Corruption Group councillors face possible court action for what they claim is simply doing their job - looking for openness and transparency and asking legitimate questions about council business. Rutland County Council suggests the group's correspondence could be seen as becoming personal, persistent and even defamatory. The authority says it's as open as any other council and has nothing to hide.

What's worrying for all parties is the effect of this row on the council's image and ability to do its job.

But of even wider concern, for any councillor who's ever fired off a heat-of-the-moment email, is the fact that specialist solicitors brought in to advise Rutland County Council suggest it could now sue for defamation. Once the preserve of individuals, the Localism Act could now extend that to local government bodies.

If the council does decide to take things that far, it could set a chilling precedent for any councillor who feels that after two or three exchanges with the powers that be, they still aren't getting the answers they're looking for.


I think:

If Rutland County Council do decide to take legal action, it will have serious implications for 
local democracy. with incredible low voter turn out at elections. Many of the councillors already being elected unopposed or co-opted, local governance will be avoided by most people and leave the power  in the hands of the few Who bully and expose people who critises them to the most disgusting conduct.