Plymouth Conservative leader Cllr Chris Wood has described Monday’s Full Council meeting as “one of the worst behaved” he has attended, criticising the tone of some contributions and what he described as disruptive interruptions.
Speaking to Plymouth Post after several motions were left undebated, Cllr Wood also criticised Labour’s handling of the meeting and said councillors had known in advance that the lengthy agenda could require them to sit beyond the normal finishing time.
He said: “Within what was a bad tempered meeting I was pleased we were able to challenge Labour on their ever increasing council debt pile and have our amendment for the Leader of the council to write to Government requesting they reinstate the £50 water bill discount approved.
“I voted to extend the meeting so other motions on the agenda could be debated. All Councillors knew the agenda in advance so were well aware the meeting may have to run beyond the normal time.
“The issues to be discussed were important so it was disappointing that the Labour Group chose to avoid considering them.”
Among the business left on the agenda was Cllr Wood’s own motion concerning Plymouth’s public realm, including grass cutting, weeds, overgrown vegetation and tree maintenance.
Conservatives were successful in having the meeting extended so that councillor questions could be heard in full, although Cllr Wood said he was disappointed that some councillors had also voted against this.
He added: “Conservatives will continue to debate in a considered way and allow people to make the point they wish to make without being heckled.”
The unfinished motions will now have to wait for another opportunity to come before councillors.
Cllr Wood noted the Mayor performed admirably in difficult circumstances
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post