"Council shame prevents overspend discussion" - Rendel

4.55.02pm GMT Sat 15th Nov 2008

Conservative Council leader, Graham Jones, was caught out trying to stifle criticism of an £819,000 overspend by the Council's departments at last night's Executive meeting.

"This massive overspend of taxpayers' money in just six months demands full and proper investigation," said Shadow Finance spokesman, David Rendel. "By trying to restrict the Opposition to just three questions, Councillor Jones showed how ashamed the Conservatives are at their failure to control Council spending."

Lib Dem Leader Jeff Brooks added:

"The public have a right to know how their money is being spent. When the Council is running up huge bills, the Conservatives should tell the taxpayers how they intend to put this right. It is simply not acceptable for them to try worm their way out of this embarrassing situation by trying to gag the opposition. I will keep on demanding answers and watching this spending habit they seem to have developed."