Boston Borough Councillor’s leadership has been condemned for creating the undemocratic climate which forced the resignation of Independent Councillor Brian Rush.

He told Boston Eye: “In light of the recent news coverage regarding the council, and after many months of soul-searching, alongside recent worrying return of symptoms of a long standing health issue, I have decided to resign from my position as a borough councillor.
“I have reflected for some months now, and I'm sorry to say that there are parts of the council which I feel are being run very badly. In my opinion this administration does not take adequate account of the views of the people of the Borough, nor the councillors who are elected to represent them.
“There can be no real progress until genuine democracy is embraced by those in charge.
“Councillors have a duty to speak up for what the people want, and not succumb to party leaders.
“I have said many times there is no place for party politics in local government.
“That is the only way we will get control of our own destiny.  We need to stand up to Lincolnshire County Council; our County Councillors have let us down.
“This has not been an easy decision, and I hope that people agree that I have taken my duties as a local ward councillor extremely seriously, and always performed to the best of my abilities.
“What has become apparent, however, is that not all other councillors share my approach.
“I have also been saddened that the change in administration in May 2011 did not bring the fresh dynamic that I believe Boston Borough so desperately needs.
“I would like to pay tribute to the residents and unsung heroes on the parish councils of Frampton, and Kirton and Holme Ward, who have supported me throughout, and who I hope will understand my reasons for not completing my term of office.
“I did have every intention of staying in post for the full four years but there comes a time when you have to seriously consider whether you are making any difference at all. Sadly I do not feel I am able to.
“It is also very important for me to thank the large number of staff who have helped me enormously during the last five and a half years, although it will be no surprise that my highest praise is reserved for those individuals who do the most work, whilst earning the least amount of money.”
Councillor Rush was elected to Boston Borough Council is 2007 in the landslide victory of the Bypass Independents.
But he disagreed with the BBI leadership at an early stage and left the party to co-found the Better Boston Group.
At last year’s election he stood as an Independent in Frampton and Holme - and was returned with a big majority.
Over the years he has been a thorn in the side of successive leaderships, who was never afraid to speak out – nor did he suffer fools gladly, as his questions at full council meetings and contributions to Boston Eye have shown.
Boston Borough Council issued a short statement to the Boston Standard on Tuesday to say that the vacancy would be advertised from today.
Nothing appeared on the borough website at that time, however – as the opportunity to print a story containing the phrase "boobs and balls" instead proved irresistible.
However, the item was apposite in that it reminded us of the boobs made by our Tory leaders, and the balls that they talk when they try to get themselves out of the mire.
The only action was to remove Councillor Rush’s photo and e-mail address from the list of borough councillors.
We didn’t think that one ceased to be a councillor with such immediacy – and were reminded of George Orwell’s novel 1984 - which might have been written with Boston Borough Council’s leadership in mind, given the speed with which Councillor Rush became an “unperson.*”
An early tribute came from fellow Independent Carol Taylor, who told Boston Eye: “To say that it is a great sadness to hear of the resignation of Councillor Brian Rush is a gross understatement. This dedicated, prolific and excellent orator has been the source of much inspiration for many of us, especially me.
“Brian's dedication culminated in in-depth study into whatever subject he was going to address before presenting questions to the administration in full council, often causing them considerable discomfort - although they would never admit to this.
“I know that Brian's goal was always to serve the public to the best of his ability and identify areas of concern that the public should be made aware of.
“He did this with commitment, dedication and the most amazing sense of humour. I loved to hear his very eloquent delivery and at times acerbic prose with his wonderful accent, which often sounded like he was giving you a compliment!
“When we lose someone of this calibre, things are bad, really bad!
So what happens now?
Doubtless the Tories will seek to parachute one of their pet poodles into Frampton and Holme to bolster their flagging leadership and dilute still further the chances of Boston Borough Council being run democratically during the next two-and-a-half years.
But hopefully, another independent will emerge to challenge their ruthless, greedy usurpation of what local government should really be about.

• The definition of an unperson is someone who has been erased from society, the present, the universe, and existence.

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