RE: Link7 Apr 2021 13:01
Mr Gnome,
Quite agree, not stupid, but most of the Tory elite feel they are entitled to political power to rule the masses and many are sly greedy stinkers that spend their time in office abusing their privileged position of office and planning their exit to the highest bidder in the private sector, where they will use all their gained parliamentary contacts and knowledge to further their new career!
In some respects its even worse in local councils, a few are in it for the right reasons, but most of those don't anywhere or last long, some are just inept and others just in it for their own pockets, but they all know how to milk the expenses system and many with local business interests outside the council use their political influences to their own advantage.
How many people realise just how much local Councillors get paid, not many, it really is a nice little earner and no professional qualifications are required, only the ability to tow the party line!
Have a look at your local council website under Local Democracy and in that section it shows how many committees each councillor sits on)and what they claim in a year, in addition they get free internet & phone at home, in many councils they also get evening meal allowance, free car parking , free public service travel, etc!
How many people realise whilst their basic council services are being cut just how much their council spends each year on a Town Mayor, just the symbolic type who is elected each year.
During their time as Town Mayor They are required to be politically neutral,so their role is just to attend civic functions and represent the council in a civic role at official and public ceremony's, etc.
For a small to medium sized town the cost is probably around £200-£250, 000 per year, this takes into account the Mayor (who is still receiving their councillor's allowance) & his spouse/partner)who have been fitted out with a new wardrobe, (suits, shoes, civic gowns, etc) the Mayor's civic Parlour & free hospitality (drinks cabinet)and office accommodation in the town hall , The Mayors full time Sergeant, carries the mace etc , The official Bentley/Jaguar / Daimler and full time chauffeur & running costs, mayors admin staff and the insurance costs for the towns official chain of office/ mace & other ceremonial items!
Traditionally the town mayor is chosen by the elected members of the town council, although in reality each political party takes it in turn to choose one of their number to be town mayor, it should be someone who in recognition of their past good works.
Sadly this isn't always the case and quite often because the town mayor post is politically neutral the party will choose a councillor who they want out of the way, for any number of reasons, I could give a list, but they are politicians and we all know what so many are like!
Sad old state of affairs really, if only the public would ask a more questions and show more interest, but they don't!
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