Independent Wiltshire Councillor Terry Chivers has accused Conservative members of Wiltshire Council of making decisions in smoke filled rooms, after he was asked to leave a scrutiny task group on adoptable estates.
Cllr Chivers was asked to leave the meeting as the chairman, Conservative Councillor Tony Dean, decided that he wasn’t going to allow non-members of the committee to attend or listen to the debate. Cllr Chivers said, “I was totally amazed. I have been around a long time, I was first elected in the late ‘80s and this is the first time I have been stopped from sitting in on a meeting.
“The chairman alleged that as there was to be a discussion with a major developer they may find the presence of non members intimating. I even promised not to ask any questions but the answer was still no. I can’t think for one moment what was so secret that I wasn’t allowed to hear.
“All members of the council and public should be encouraged to play an active role, and not just the inner circle of the cabinet’s magic circle meeting in smoke filled rooms.”
