'I won't be gagged by a councillor’s sentiments'

9:00am Monday 2nd March 2009

Exclusive By Jack Blanchard

WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has defended himself following this weekend’s shock resignation and attack by county councillor John Buckley.

Mr Foster said his relationship with Coun Buckley had broken down over issues of both policy and procedure, but insisted as Worcester’s MP he must always stand up for what he believes is right for the city – regardless of what other councillors might think.

He said he and Coun Buckley had disagreed over issues such as the future of Elgar Technology College, which Mr Foster wants to see become a city academy.

“These sorts of issues can create a rift – that’s the nature of politics,” the MP said. “But it’s important for me as an MP to do what I believe is in the best interests of Worcester.

“I’m not going to be, and never have been someone who’s been gagged or prevented from speaking out by the sentiments of a county councillor.”

Regarding comments about local councillors being treated as ‘leaflet fodder’, the MP said: “I make no apology in believing people who are elected should not just appear on people’s doorsteps at election time.

“I do believe it’s a 365 days-a-year position – so yes, I expect councillors to be out there delivering leaflets in addition to what they do in the council chamber.”

He said it was “simply not the case” the local Labour party was set up entirely to get him re-elected, pointing out it campaigns in local elections every single year in Worcester.

“I don’t run the local Labour Party,” said Mr Foster. “It has its own offices and its own administration. John unfortunately seems to have problems drawing that line.”

The regional boss of the Labour party said he was “baffled” by Coun Buckley’s comments. Regional director Ian Reilly said: “I’m frankly baffled by the statements made regarding John Buckley.

“Last summer John made the personal decision to not seek re-election to the county council. He could have changed his mind right up to the point that a replacement candidate was chosen.

“On Friday morning Coun Buckley agreed it was a good moment to stand down from the group leadership. This was a perfectly amicable discussion.

“The statements now being made seem to confirm some confusion around how the Labour Party functions, and how we deal with political differences with other elected representatives.

“So far as problems over our internal procedures, they have received full attention from officials and are not matters that are or can be dealt with in an MP’s office.”