Two more councillors have come forward after senior Independent Councillor Richard Leggott  entered the debate on the absence of democracy in the running of Boston Borough Council.
Since the Conservatives took power last May, council business has been mainly conducted by a “Cabinet” of just seven – two of whom we believe have never previously been councillors.
The debate was started by former independent councillor Brian Rush, who resigned last week, saying: “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.”
On Monday’s Boston Eye, Councillor Leggott echoed Mr Rush’s words, saying: “Having seen, in 22 years on the Borough Council, various forms of governance practised here, I can honestly say that I believe the present 'model', practised since the BBI landslide in 2007, is probably the worst form of local government to which I have been party.”
In particular, he mentioned the days when the borough was run by a rainbow cabinet – i.e. one made up of representatives from across the parties.
Since then, we have received e-mails from two members of the former controlling group, the Boston Bypass Independents.
Councillor Richard Austin, who led the BBI to victory in 2007, and led the council for its full term in office, wrote to say: “I agree with Councillor Leggott that the present system lacks democracy with seven Cabinet members effectively making all the decisions with very little reference to the other 25 councillors.
“However I must put the record straight as far as BBI is concerned.
BBI had a landslide victory in 2007 winning 25 out of the 32 Borough seats.
“In addition, two of the ‘opposition’ were appointed Mayor and Deputy Mayor leaving only five other opposition councillors.
“In an attempt to be magnanimous, on at least two occasions, we offered cabinet seats to Conservatives but this offer was refused.
“The BBI however did offer a majority on scrutiny committees to the opposition, something the present Conservative administration did not offer.
“As far as I can recall, on no occasion were Cabinet decisions exempt from ‘call in’ and rarely were meetings cancelled for lack of business.
“Before 2007 there was a ‘rainbow’ coalition cabinet that I understand was made up from all parties on the council. This was at a time when there was no overall majority, so the Conservatives were forced into this - just as David Cameron has had to do with the Lib Dems at Westminster.”
A second e-mail came from Councillor Helen Staples, who said: “I read with interest Councillor Leggott’s stance on democracy, and whilst I was part of the BBI Ruling Group and also a Cabinet Member, I do agree that a 'rainbow cabinet' is the only way for everyone’s points of view to be aired and respected and decisions made that reflect the majority, that is to say the public we are elected to represent.
“This would also create a more harmonious council at one for the benefit of the good people of this borough.”

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