The Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report asking Council to review the allocation of seats on committees following the Watton-at-Stone by-election. It had been suggested that the vacant seat be allocated to the Conservative Group and that Councillor M McMullen be appointed to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Councillor L Haysey moved, and Councillor G Jones seconded, a motion that the vacant seat be allocated to the Conservative Group.
Councillor S Bell opposed this motion on the basis that the residents of Watton-at-Stone had elected a Liberal Democrat and an opposition voice would improve the scrutiny function.
After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.
Council approved the proposals now detailed.
RESOLVED – that (A) the vacant seat be allocated to the Conservative Group; and
(B) the wishes of the political group in respect of the appointment of Councillor M McMullen to the vacant seat on Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.