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Posted by: Andy Capp Jul 31 2014, 10:50 PM

An interesting headline in the NWN this week, it seems that Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera has resigned after receiving no support for his request to conduct an investigation into whether the council failed to apply for recouping costs for the legal fees with it's 'battle' with Costain. He says, amongst other things, that he has 'no confidence' in the leader (of the council), Julian Swift-Hook. Julian Swift-Hook claims to have the respect of other members of the council from all political persuasions, apparently. Mr Swift-Hook also went on to be quoted as saying that he is restricted with what he can say about the 'Costain' case for legal reasons.

Posted by: Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera Aug 1 2014, 11:56 AM

Dear Forum Members,

No matter what has happened, I will be on the Town Hall steps tomorrow participating in the 'Councillors Surgery' so feel free to come and have a chat. I can assure everyone, that I may have taken a knock, but I am far from being out!

Whoever said that doing what is right will be easy?

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera

Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 1 2014, 12:32 PM

I fear that, if there is any truth to that which Simon Kirby has posted, you are on a hiding to nothing. Not that I think that will stop you of course! What is not clear to me is what it is the council are not doing that you think they should. I suspect that there is information that is not public that would better explain the issue at hand.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 1 2014, 02:40 PM

Wot? A resignation on a point of principle? Round here? Has the town clock stopped? Will the real Liberal Democrat please stand up? ......oh he has! Can we cope with democracy breaking out?

No, it isn't easy but no matter my politics, I for one applaud your stand.

Posted by: Cognosco Aug 1 2014, 03:01 PM

A local Politician with principles?

I know I am one of the biggest cynics when it comes to local politicians but I too applaud you for your stand but it is going to take a heck of tsunami to shift the grip of the local few that controls our little tin pot council. Many have tried over the years but with little or no success to date?
Even with Simon Kirby enlisted to the rebel forces, as if they would allow him, it will take a nuclear device me thinks to make any change?

Good luck from me anyway RUP. or as the local yoot say respect!

Posted by: Strafin Aug 1 2014, 03:52 PM

I think after all RUP's bluster about everyone getting involved to make a difference "from the inside" this is a fairly hypocritical move. Almost like throwing toys out of the pram.

Posted by: MontyPython Aug 1 2014, 04:06 PM

I don't see it as hypocritical at all. He has publicly announced an issue where NTC have made a mistake and criticised JSH for not being supportive (or probably trying to sweep the issue under the carpet). Well done RUP.

Has JSH ever done anything worthwhile for Newbury?

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 1 2014, 04:53 PM

He's still on the council; he's resigned as Deputy Leader. He cannot remain as Deputy Leader if he hasn't the backing of his colleagues.

Posted by: Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera Aug 1 2014, 07:01 PM

Dear Forum members,

I have not stood down from the Town Council and remain a very active member of the Liberal Democrat Party, so I do not see that any toys have been thrown out of the pram or anywhere else.

Currently I do not seem to have the total support of my colleagues, but thankfully this is not a prerequisite for representing the public, and something that I was used to whilst a serving police officer.

As for continuing to challenge inappropriateness I will carry on doing this, for I have concerns about how other people may have been inappropriately treated in the past, and whether a reality or a perception I believe that these matters need to be addressed so that the residents of Newbury can feel with some confidence that the Town Council truly represents them.

I obviously cannot discuss specifics in a public forum, so I would merely ask that you keep demanding that openness and transparency becomes the norm with the Town Council, which has many dedicated Officers and Members who are committed to serving the interests of the public.

I look forward to continuing the positive engagement that has developed over the months in this forum, and I thank those people that have articulated their support, for doing what one believes is right, is sometimes unwelcome.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera

Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward.

Posted by: Cognosco Aug 1 2014, 07:05 PM

I think it adequately displays just how entrenched out local politicos are in their ways and will not easily be dragged into making the changes that are required to enable the plebs to have any trace of confidence in a local council. "We know how to run a town council we don't need any Johnny come lately upsetting our little clique"

Posted by: On the edge Aug 1 2014, 07:16 PM

Quite so, he hasn't resigned from the party, just from office. A Robin Cook job; yes, theatrical, but seems to be more through frustration than anything. Yes, I had great hopes for a new initiative. Nonetheless I think a good few of us have recognised the sclerosis in local politics; in both parties and sadly it looks as if treatment if at all, is likely to be protracted.

Posted by: nerc Aug 2 2014, 04:22 AM

I applaud RUP for taking the action he did, there are not many councillors who would take this stance.

On another angle regarding the town council i believe that the town clerk is still on sick leave from his position.

Has this possibly something to do with the investigations regarding the Costain and Christmas market fiasco's?.

Posted by: blackdog Aug 2 2014, 08:16 AM

What investigations?

Posted by: Turin Machine Aug 2 2014, 08:39 AM

"It got difficult and no one wanted to play, so I went home"

Posted by: Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera Aug 2 2014, 02:20 PM

Dear Forum,

I wish to thank all of the people that took time to come and speak with me today whilst I was on duty on the Town Hall steps and offer their support for the actions that I have had to take. This was and remains very much appreciated.

Just to clarify a few matters though. At this point in time all I can say about the situation is that I uncovered and blew the whistle on what I perceived was/is a serious discrepancy in following an appropriate process that may have led to many thousands of pounds of public money being needlessly spent. Subsequent to this disclosure, the Council received two grievances and immediately instigated two internal investigations led by the Tory Group.

Since offering my resignation as Deputy Leader I have been informed that the matter for which I blew the whistle is now being 'independently' investigated. To date I have not been contacted about what I know. Although belated, I am pleased that this investigation is now happening.

In order that natural justice and fairness are assured it is important that ALL of the investigations are completed in an appropriate manner, the findings assessed and due consideration is given before more is said.

I will though as I have assured everyone today continue as a Councillor and will not shirk my responsibility as an elected representative of the people of Newbury.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera

Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward

Posted by: Exhausted Aug 3 2014, 05:29 PM

Another round of secrecy, let's hope this doesn't last as long or there will be a large hump under the town hall carpet.

So, you said that the grievance(s) were being investigated by the Tory Group, and I bet they will love that. But then you suggested that your whistle blowing was being investigated by an independent body. Where do they come from I wonder.

It does beg the question, is there not a Council standards committee, to investigate possible irregularities or even assess what is going on in the council's dealings with external bodies or their own internal dealings.

The town/parish councils seem to often be at each others throats either because of mis-management or bullish councillors. Cold Ash had a spat a while back I seem to remember and weren't there problems with bullying in Hungerford council followed by a resignation. When Newbury Town Council was set up, the premise was that it would be apolitical, working for the good of the community. That didn't last long.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 3 2014, 06:11 PM

But is this a case of wrong doing, or 'just' competence?

Posted by: Cognosco Aug 3 2014, 06:54 PM

And of course these new investigations will take even more time and no doubt cost us plebs even more money and on it goes!
If this council had any sort of principal they would all resign, it's just a wonder they have had the neck to stay as long as this?
I was just wondering how long it is going to take for the plebs to say enough is enough and get rid of this bumbling town hall clique?

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 06:45 PM

Well then isn't it about time the voices calling for a return to just that are heard?

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 06:51 PM

When someone espouses a new party as a cynical fast track to getting elected, it's not really surprising that there should be repercussions when the first stresses are placed on the marriage of convenience. Time perhaps to come out as Labour all along or rather more bravely (and dare I say more honestly?) as an independent!

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 5 2014, 08:23 PM

And get ignored?

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 08:56 PM

That my friend is the price of integrity in local politics.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 5 2014, 09:24 PM

The more I see, the more I think local governance is dead. Let's face it, unless there is a dramatic and total attitude change absolutely nothing will happen. Much as I dislike it, managing local services from the centre is really the only option left. Take our favorite issue, allotments are one if the few remaining real jobs local government is supposed to deliver. So let's have an Allotment Agency who can look after those not in a self management scheme. Having everything managed centrally would mean those involved necessarily being disinterested, so a just and fair service would result.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Aug 5 2014, 09:33 PM

Charlie, I think that's unfair. Ruwan is active nationally with the Lib Dems in a way that few other local activists are, so his membership of the Lib Dems is hardly a cynical fast-track to serve on the local parish council. Ruwan's present situation has nothing to do with incompatible politics, it's simply that he's blown the whistle on what he alleges is serious maladministration, and having caught what he feels is the usual blow-back grievance he has not received the support from his fellow councillors that he might reasonably expect. If there's any cynicism it's the Tories who are rubbing their hands at the thought of giving a Lib Dem opponent a kicking for doing the right thing.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Aug 5 2014, 09:40 PM

*d'oh*

Posted by: Turin Machine Aug 5 2014, 09:41 PM

So, where does that leave you?

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 09:42 PM

Really?

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 09:43 PM

Who?

Posted by: Turin Machine Aug 5 2014, 09:50 PM

Simon, Ruwans protege.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Aug 5 2014, 09:50 PM

Ruwan's situation doesn't change anything for me; he has my support, and I have bridges to build with other members of my party.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 5 2014, 10:03 PM

So sadly, a pointless exercise.

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 10:11 PM

With respect the Tories didn't like him enough to rubber stamp his candidacy as deputy leader, the Lib Dems didn't like him enough to reject his resignation from that role on a matter of principle, and the only reason they're not expelling him from the group as he's the only thing between them and No Overall Control.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 5 2014, 10:33 PM

So where do you feel politically he differs from other Lib Dems?

Posted by: CharlieF Aug 5 2014, 11:10 PM

Not a lot in my book. But in theirs obviously, much.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 6 2014, 12:02 AM

Sorry, it seems your argument is confused. You claim that he is somewhat dishonest by affiliating with Lib Dems just to get in to power. That might be true, but if there is little difference politically, then I see no problem there.

From the outside, I'd say this is a personality issue as much it is a political one. I suspect he is seen as a maverick and a threaten the 'decorum'. If he were to 'go home' to the Labour party, he may as well give up local politics in Newbury and we loose an opportunity for someone to make a difference.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 6 2014, 08:11 AM

Yes, I'd certainly agree that the threat to the status quo is the biggest and in reality, the show stopper. The present 'your vote counts' campaign sums it up exactly; we want your support not your thought. I certainly wish Ruwan well, a blast of fresh air, but opened windows get slammed shut. So for me, it's back to recommending spoiling ballot papers as the only voice we have.

Posted by: Turin Machine Aug 6 2014, 09:22 AM

As deputy leader he stood some chance of making a difference, now ? Less so. Mahatma, Che and Nelson didn't give up when it got rough, they dug their heels in and soldiered on. Still.

Posted by: MontyPython Aug 6 2014, 09:24 AM

Maybe its the LibDems that are the real "political whores" here.

Ruwan seems to feel that he aligns with there policies, but now he has started stirring the hornets nest and highlighting their shortcomings they have fallen out with him. However in the desperation for some sort of power they will do anything! As has been seen a lot recently. Hope they haven't grandmothers that they can sell!

Posted by: Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera Aug 6 2014, 09:28 AM

CharlieF,

For the life of me I have no awareness why you choose to take such an antagonistic stance with regard to myself, but I can assure you that I will not lose any sleep over it either.

As for the Tories almost unanimous disapproval of my candidacy as Deputy Leader, well I would actually be seriously worried if they did like me for at least the Tories are overtly political. Perhaps you should reconsider joining the Conservative Party and standing for them, for you share much in common, and we would benefit from your involvement in the Chamber. You would certainly increase the standard of the debate.

I am intrigued though where you think my politics differs with the principles of the Liberal Democrat Party, perhaps you can enlighten us all with your thoughts? Yes, I was once a member of the Labour Party, but that Party no longer exists, and I am actually more in tune with the principles of the Liberal Democrats.

I wish to thank those people who support my presence in the Chamber, even though they may not actually support my opinions, this is the realty of politics, it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera

Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward

Posted by: NWNREADER Aug 6 2014, 03:17 PM

The Labour Party no longer exists? Has anyone told Mr Miliband?

Posted by: Sherlock Aug 6 2014, 05:09 PM

As I'm sure you are aware, the recent extended period of sick leave taken by NTC's chief executive is being widely attributed to your harassment and bullying of town council officials. I'm sure you'd like to clear your record.

Posted by: NWNREADER Aug 6 2014, 05:16 PM

Who is that directed at?

Posted by: MontyPython Aug 6 2014, 05:21 PM

So getting Local Government Officers to follow procedures and not wasting public funds is tantamount to bullying is it?

Classic!

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 6 2014, 05:59 PM

No, but don't let on.

Posted by: user23 Aug 6 2014, 07:30 PM

Wasn't the Liberal Democrat Party formed by ex Labour Party (and current Liberal Party) members, in 1988?

Posted by: NWNREADER Aug 6 2014, 10:18 PM

No, that was the SDP

Posted by: JeffG Aug 7 2014, 08:55 AM

I assume Ruwan means the pre-Blair unelectable union-controlled left-wing Michael Foot version. I can only guess that's what he means, but I don't see a fit with the Liberal Democrats.

Posted by: blackdog Aug 7 2014, 09:26 AM

Or he could mean that he views the Miliband led party as an unacceptable departure for the New Labour party of Tony Blair.

Posted by: blackdog Aug 7 2014, 09:31 AM

user is quite right - the Lib Dems were formed by the amalgamation of the Liberals and the SDP in 1988 - the SDP was formed in 1981 from a breakaway segment of the Labour Party - it seems fair to call them ex-Labour.

Posted by: MontyPython Aug 7 2014, 09:35 AM

Pre-Blair Labour = unelectable
Lib-Dems = unelectable

What's not to see JeffG? Ruwan obviously likes the underdog!

Posted by: Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera Aug 7 2014, 06:03 PM

Well I am a 'liberal' in more than merely politics!

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera

Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward