We’ve already highlighted the need to redefine the word “extraordinary” after its repeated use by Boston Borough Council in regard to its full council meetings.

But within a few days, we will have seen four such meetings this year – and a similar number of ordinary meetings. 

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The earlier ones centred on the hotly-disputed “alliance” with East Lindsey District Council – whose councillors over the border that also backed it doubtless now regretting their decision.

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“Extraordinary” is a word that means what it says on the tin – something that is over and above the routine … and not something that happens in February, June, July and August.

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But there is a precedent for moulding the language to suit oneself – rather than cherishing it for what it is.

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In the children’s fantasy “Alice in Wonderland” the author Lewis Carroll writes: “’When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less’”.

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In the grown-up’s fantasy “Malice in Blunderland” – more commonly known as the Worst Street council chamber – the same is true.

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Having said that, we must acknowledge that this latest meeting promises to be spicier than most – a night of the blunt knives set for Monday 10^th  August  that seeks to overturn the status quo, calling for a vote of no confidence in the current Conservative administration and the election of a new council leader.

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Ironically, the man leading the charge is a former dyed-in-the-wool Tory and long-time leader until he began the trend that saw the job resemble the life of a mayfly – over almost before it had begun.

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Councillor Peter Bedford … now an Independent … emerged as leader in 2011 when a Tory campaign masterminded by former Councillor Raymond Singleton-McGuire routed the hopeless Bypass Independents – to the amazement of both parties.

Despite this resounding success, he “decided” to cede the leadership to Councillor Bedford who held on through thick and thicker until he “stepped down” in May 2017 after six years.

He was followed by Councillor Mike Cooper – who lasted until July last year, when he was replaced by Councillor Aaron Spencer … who quit in January after being threatened with a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

The current leader, Councillor Paul Skinner –  the man they now want to sack – only took on the job in February.

Interestingly, the present deputy, Nigel Welton, has emerged as one of the more successful survivors, having been second-in-command to the previous three leaders.

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Councillor Bedford told Boston Eye: “I am the proposer quite simply because of the mess that this administration have put is in.

“I always have supported the idea of joined-up working with East Lindsey District Council and hopefully South Holland District Council as well.

“But the whole manner of the way that this has been put together is a disaster; non-consultation with Phil Drury (the former Chief Executive) and senior staff members, and of course members.

“People outside of cabinet have not seen the written agreement with ELDC so if there are any shocks in there then it falls squarely on the Leader and Deputy.

“We need a complete change of style as the Tory Administration are very weak and inexperienced.”

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Seconding the motion is Independent Brian Rush – another veteran councillor and no stranger to controversy in his decade and more in the chamber.

He told Boston Eye: “I do have many other concerns, but currently I think that the secretive way in which the outgoing and incoming Chief Executive Officer has been installed deserves investigation.

“I cannot understand why we are engaging a CEO under such circumstances.

“Nor did I agree to Phil Drury being the single ‘unquestioned’ applicant... and the same process has again been adopted yet again!

“In my opinion just the past eight or so years proves that unchallenged interviewing is no way to ‘attract the best’ talent”!

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So – round and round we go, down and down we go (to misquote the famous song) – to where we first started a few weeks ago with still more fallout from the proposal for the Manby alliance that has engendered to much spite and venom.

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According to the rules for “motions on notice” – which are what these doodads are known as – the call for the meeting must signed by at least five members, one of whom must be named as the proposer and another as the seconder.

This means that there are at least three more supporters – and perhaps more – whose names seem likely to be kept from us, as it the way of things in Worst Street.

The only pity is that we – the taxpayers – don’t get a vote as well!

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The meeting starts at 6pm and will be held online via Zoom – which is a much improved way to view than the Webinar system previously adopted by Worst Street.

It will be streamed live at the link here followed by a full “ordinary” meeting that will be accessible via the same link – but don’t expect to stay for long after it begins.

Once again, the payoff for the former Chief Executive is on the agenda – which means that the voters who are footing the bill will get the bum’s rush as the meeting goes into secret session.

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One small piece of irony grabbed our attention in all of this.

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Nine years ago, almost to the very day, our blog carried a report on the resignation of newly-elected Conservative Councillor Carol Taylor who had dared to challenge the new leadership, found it impossible – and joined the independents.

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At the time, Councillor Bedford was interviewed on local radio – and this is what he had to say …

No room for mavericks, eh?

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

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But the saddest thing about all of this is the effect it is having on the people who live in Boston and pay a lot of money for Worst Street to provide them with a quality of life.

All around us, other authorities are getting on with the job and their districts are booming.

Our newly-affiliated neighbours in East Lindsey  have plans for a new £8.25 million home for East Lindsey District Council and Boston College up for approval, have revamped Skegness seafront and plan a £12 million sports centre in Mablethorpe.

Elsewhere, good things are happening in South Holland and South Kesteven districts.

But in Boston, our councillors are spending their time on argument, bitterness, insults and recrimination…

Will they ever learn to move on?

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