Allah Ditta - no confidence (From Worcester News)

This whole episode, and the use of the bloc vote by the Conservatives in this matter, makes shameful reading and exposes to the public the blatant attempt to retain control and power at all costs. Never mind Cllr Ditta not reading the signs and seeing which way his political career is heading - towards the exit - the whole Conservative group is also rapidly following him over the cliff - or should that be 'into the grave'.

I cannot believe that no one - yes no one - will speak out as an individual person for public decency, rather than slavishly tow the party line at all costs. It makes politics in Worcester a joke, those who serve as politicans even more so, and the city an embarassment both within the boundaries and to the country's press as a whole.

Cllr Ditta should reflect on his position and resign now, the Conservatives to show some backbone and suspend him if he does not, and Cllr Geraghty, as the leader, should ask himself if he has handled this situation in a professional manner. The answer from the public is a resounding No. Oh and you think you will be re elected as the main party on the council after this? Think again!

From a somewhat disillusioned Tory voter, but not impressed at all - sharpen your act.

Worcester City Council's Constitution states:
2.3
(vi) All Councillors will maintain the highest standards conduct and ethics.

Clearly Mr Ditta has not done this.

Shame on the local Conservatives for making this a party political issue.

All Conservative coucillors voted in favour of this man ---how,why?--totally unbelievable---This is the last straw for me---Tory's you have no longer got my vote.Could one of the councillors who voted in favour of him please tell me why---i'm not holding my breath for an answer.------Inciden
tally,has Mr Ditta handed over an itemised bill (as asked for) for the original £400 pounds he asked the deceased mans family for ?

I am frequently amazed at just how poor the Tories are, at national and local level.

With the various council foul-ups, the planned incinerator, the frankly disgusting SW Development Plan...you'd think they could go no lower.

But now, they back Ditta.

In fairness, the other parties probably voted along party lines and with party interests in mind.

But Mr Ditta does seem to have a certain track record, and the current issue only seems to be part of that.

I really wonder if the average, decent Tory voter really feels at ease with the Conservative party. Is this what they voted for?

And then there is the whole issue of multiculturalism. Mr Ditta was welcomed on account of his ethnicity and faith. He seems to have operated largely in his 'community', in a way which 'native' or 'white' politicians just don't.

This ramifications of this story are much wider than this one incident, and this one vote.

This is politics being played, and for me all politics stink.It is all about that one seat Ditta holds at City Council. Labour well might win the new election, and that would change the controlling vote that the Lib/Lab/Con/Dems currently enjoy together with the Greens. So for the Tories they had to defend / support Ditta, and any comment from Marc Bayliss who crossed the floor from Labour to Tory has to be treated accordingly. And Tories who I am in contact with have opinions on this issue which they aren't allowed to express. THATS POLITCS FOLKS.

brooksider wrote:
Worcester City Council's Constitution states:
2.3
(vi) All Councillors will maintain the highest standards conduct and ethics.

Clearly Mr Ditta has not done this.

Shame on the local Conservatives for making this a party political issue.

Shame on the rest of the Tories. I thought some of them, would have the decency to do the right thing

http://www.worcester
news.co.uk/news/9947
523.Tory_councillors
_vote_to_expel_colle
ague/?ref=ms

Same should be done for Mr Ditta

This has been a shameful episode. Shame on the Tories who are standing by their man.

All Conservative Councillors should face a vote of no conifdence after this. How can I honestly believe any of them have the will and resolution to represent me when none of them showed the moral substance to see this for what it is - a blatant violation of the council constitution. I don't want to be represented by a bunch of sheep.

one94 wrote:
All Conservative Councillors should face a vote of no conifdence after this. How can I honestly believe any of them have the will and resolution to represent me when none of them showed the moral substance to see this for what it is - a blatant violation of the council constitution. I don't want to be represented by a bunch of sheep.

Well said, sir

one94 wrote:
All Conservative Councillors should face a vote of no conifdence after this. How can I honestly believe any of them have the will and resolution to represent me when none of them showed the moral substance to see this for what it is - a blatant violation of the council constitution. I don't want to be represented by a bunch of sheep.

Well said, sir

one94 wrote:
All Conservative Councillors should face a vote of no conifdence after this. How can I honestly believe any of them have the will and resolution to represent me when none of them showed the moral substance to see this for what it is - a blatant violation of the council constitution. I don't want to be represented by a bunch of sheep.

no instead go behind labour a bunch of dirty liers who need to get back in power to bring the country back to it's knees as the did not finishes the job before they got kicked out. anyone get an invite to a labour party bet they are slipping the bubbles with all this conserative in the papers ...... but was it not long ago that labour were in the papers for all the wrong reasons ??? politces it a dirty game all this and still mr ali will not rest in peace untill it solved ?? i've got an idea kick um all out we don't need no one to run this city!!!!

Sorry Theworldoftoday, I don't understand your comments... What are "slipping the bubbles"? Just curious.

ramona666 wrote:
Sorry Theworldoftoday, I don't understand your comments... What are "slipping the bubbles"? Just curious.

sorry my mistake sipping bubbles as in champagne my apologise again only human and was typing very fast

That's OK. I just had a vision of a giant bubble bath!

Voice of the Voyager wrote:
This whole episode, and the use of the bloc vote by the Conservatives in this matter, makes shameful reading and exposes to the public the blatant attempt to retain control and power at all costs. Never mind Cllr Ditta not reading the signs and seeing which way his political career is heading - towards the exit - the whole Conservative group is also rapidly following him over the cliff - or should that be 'into the grave'. I cannot believe that no one - yes no one - will speak out as an individual person for public decency, rather than slavishly tow the party line at all costs. It makes politics in Worcester a joke, those who serve as politicans even more so, and the city an embarassment both within the boundaries and to the country's press as a whole. Cllr Ditta should reflect on his position and resign now, the Conservatives to show some backbone and suspend him if he does not, and Cllr Geraghty, as the leader, should ask himself if he has handled this situation in a professional manner. The answer from the public is a resounding No. Oh and you think you will be re elected as the main party on the council after this? Think again! From a somewhat disillusioned Tory voter, but not impressed at all - sharpen your act.

I suspect, hope at least, that you are typical, in being rather disillusioned as a Tory.

How can anyone vote for these people? The Ditta scandal, the traffic planning foul-ups, the incinerator, the massive housing etc.

Seriously, I thought it was difficult to get anyone much worse than Labour in office, but the Tories seem to manage it quite nicely.

And every time you think they've gone as beneath contempt as possible, they seem to manage to go just that little bit further.

Looks to me like Robin Walker and other prominent Tories are keeping their heads down for the moment, but I suspect these people must feel their days are numbered, politically.

I think this maybe the first time common sense has prevailed in Worcester Council chamber in a long time!

" the world today"
I understand labour were not great, but you cant blame them for a worldwide financial crisis!, the fact is no matter who had of been in power we would of been in this situation, just look at how it stands now!
conservatives have had there austerity plan in place for years and yet this August we borrowed more as a country than EVER before!, we have been in the longest recession EVER, have the highest fuel and power cost in Europe, have the highest food prices in years, have more unemployed!, more homeless , more failed businesses, more greedy bankers, university education that the working class cannot afford! not to mention they took the intelligent move to stop taxing the rich, yet stop all the help for the poor! and the most disconnected pompous bunch of idiots in charge ever!, conservatives serve to line there own pockets, they like to make the rich richer the poor poorer they love the power ( just look at our cheif whip with his famous line "dont you know who i am?") PATHETIC! GET THEM ALL OUT NOW!

More Tea Vicar wrote:

Voice of the Voyager wrote:
This whole episode, and the use of the bloc vote by the Conservatives in this matter, makes shameful reading and exposes to the public the blatant attempt to retain control and power at all costs. Never mind Cllr Ditta not reading the signs and seeing which way his political career is heading - towards the exit - the whole Conservative group is also rapidly following him over the cliff - or should that be 'into the grave'. I cannot believe that no one - yes no one - will speak out as an individual person for public decency, rather than slavishly tow the party line at all costs. It makes politics in Worcester a joke, those who serve as politicans even more so, and the city an embarassment both within the boundaries and to the country's press as a whole. Cllr Ditta should reflect on his position and resign now, the Conservatives to show some backbone and suspend him if he does not, and Cllr Geraghty, as the leader, should ask himself if he has handled this situation in a professional manner. The answer from the public is a resounding No. Oh and you think you will be re elected as the main party on the council after this? Think again! From a somewhat disillusioned Tory voter, but not impressed at all - sharpen your act.

I suspect, hope at least, that you are typical, in being rather disillusioned as a Tory.

How can anyone vote for these people? The Ditta scandal, the traffic planning foul-ups, the incinerator, the massive housing etc.

Seriously, I thought it was difficult to get anyone much worse than Labour in office, but the Tories seem to manage it quite nicely.

And every time you think they've gone as beneath contempt as possible, they seem to manage to go just that little bit further.

Looks to me like Robin Walker and other prominent Tories are keeping their heads down for the moment, but I suspect these people must feel their days are numbered, politically.

Just to clarify, this is Worcester City Council that the article is about. Transport/highways and the incinerator are the reponsibility of the County Council. Indeed, the incinerator is several miles outside the city boundary.
As for 'massive housing,' I can't work out what that is, but if you mean the local development plan, that's been led by the County too (with input from other councils.

Sounds like words of old buddies support from Francis ex-Tory city Councilor Lankester..

Ditta should go and so should the rest of the Tories for backing him up especially Marc Bayliss!

induby wrote:
" the world today" I understand labour were not great, but you cant blame them for a worldwide financial crisis!, the fact is no matter who had of been in power we would of been in this situation, just look at how it stands now! conservatives have had there austerity plan in place for years and yet this August we borrowed more as a country than EVER before!, we have been in the longest recession EVER, have the highest fuel and power cost in Europe, have the highest food prices in years, have more unemployed!, more homeless , more failed businesses, more greedy bankers, university education that the working class cannot afford! not to mention they took the intelligent move to stop taxing the rich, yet stop all the help for the poor! and the most disconnected pompous bunch of idiots in charge ever!, conservatives serve to line there own pockets, they like to make the rich richer the poor poorer they love the power ( just look at our cheif whip with his famous line "dont you know who i am?") PATHETIC! GET THEM ALL OUT NOW!

Not sure we do, actually.

Have you seen how they are getting on in Greece?

The Conservatives are pretty awful, but Labour weren't a whole lot better, and the LibDems are a joke, and not a very good one at that.

But this is about the Conservatives in Worcester, and they deserve all the criticism they are getting.

I haven't read all the postings yet, but as far as I can see, virtually no one seems to be defending the Tories.

I would have thought their voters, and Robin Walker, would have been out in force telling us what a great job they are doing, and what a fine image they give of our city.

Totally shameful behaviour by the Tory group. Either they don't have an ounce of decency between them or, more likely, they are a spineless bunch with not one having the courage to stand up and say what he or she really thinks.

Councillors are elected to do the right thing - not to keep their party in power at all costs. Any who are not prepared to speak out when they know their leaders are wrong are not fit to hold office and, hopefully, voters will remember this episode at the next election.

Maggie Would wrote:

More Tea Vicar wrote:

Voice of the Voyager wrote: This whole episode, and the use of the bloc vote by the Conservatives in this matter, makes shameful reading and exposes to the public the blatant attempt to retain control and power at all costs. Never mind Cllr Ditta not reading the signs and seeing which way his political career is heading - towards the exit - the whole Conservative group is also rapidly following him over the cliff - or should that be 'into the grave'. I cannot believe that no one - yes no one - will speak out as an individual person for public decency, rather than slavishly tow the party line at all costs. It makes politics in Worcester a joke, those who serve as politicans even more so, and the city an embarassment both within the boundaries and to the country's press as a whole. Cllr Ditta should reflect on his position and resign now, the Conservatives to show some backbone and suspend him if he does not, and Cllr Geraghty, as the leader, should ask himself if he has handled this situation in a professional manner. The answer from the public is a resounding No. Oh and you think you will be re elected as the main party on the council after this? Think again! From a somewhat disillusioned Tory voter, but not impressed at all - sharpen your act.

I suspect, hope at least, that you are typical, in being rather disillusioned as a Tory. How can anyone vote for these people? The Ditta scandal, the traffic planning foul-ups, the incinerator, the massive housing etc. Seriously, I thought it was difficult to get anyone much worse than Labour in office, but the Tories seem to manage it quite nicely. And every time you think they've gone as beneath contempt as possible, they seem to manage to go just that little bit further. Looks to me like Robin Walker and other prominent Tories are keeping their heads down for the moment, but I suspect these people must feel their days are numbered, politically.

Just to clarify, this is Worcester City Council that the article is about. Transport/highways and the incinerator are the reponsibility of the County Council. Indeed, the incinerator is several miles outside the city boundary. As for 'massive housing,' I can't work out what that is, but if you mean the local development plan, that's been led by the County too (with input from other councils.

Irrelevant.

It's all about the Tories and their handling of local government.

Got anything to say about the actual issue? or do you prefer to participate in, or fall for, the local govt trick of dividing 'responsibilities' so that nothing is anyone's fault? Because it does look that way.

And of course they completely dominate the County Council, so they don't have a county hat and a city hat it's all the same policies.

The fact that the Conservatives backed Ditta seriously calls into question their judgement. The electorate deserve the highest standards of integrity from their councillors in both their public and private lives. A further nail in the coffin of local democracy brought about by the low calibre individuals who have the desire to be local councillors.

IN my lifetime the CONservatives have always been like this locally and nationally, they have no respect for anyone, they are heartless and quite callous and have no scruples and unless they are pushed they won't go, the local CON party are a pathetic lot.
Ditta if he has anything about him should resign NOW.
Its typical, just look at the foul mouthed idiot outside Downing Street who tried to say the police were lying?
I always remember Thatcher saying lets make this quite clear,(the usual phrase when they are lying through there teeth) read my lips we will not be putting up taxes, next week they went up.

I have always thought local politics should be exactly that and the party political element removed. These councillors are supposed to act in the interest of their constituants, from the comments I have read on this case there seems to be an overwhelming support for the removal of Mr Ditta, yet the CONS all appeared to vote on a purely party political basis to keep him in and others to have him out. This is really unacceptable in local government and perhaps its time the ombudsman was called in to review this whole episode which is turning into a farce and ruining the credibilty of all parties and the whole political system in Worcester City.

Shall I laugh or cry? When this scandal first broke out I clearly stated that this was a ploy by the ex-labour candidate and it was all about the labour votes. I was right! Well played Mr Islam for canvassing with the Labour candidates early this year. I expected much more from the labour party.

More Tea Vicar wrote:

Maggie Would wrote:

More Tea Vicar wrote:

Voice of the Voyager wrote: This whole episode, and the use of the bloc vote by the Conservatives in this matter, makes shameful reading and exposes to the public the blatant attempt to retain control and power at all costs. Never mind Cllr Ditta not reading the signs and seeing which way his political career is heading - towards the exit - the whole Conservative group is also rapidly following him over the cliff - or should that be 'into the grave'. I cannot believe that no one - yes no one - will speak out as an individual person for public decency, rather than slavishly tow the party line at all costs. It makes politics in Worcester a joke, those who serve as politicans even more so, and the city an embarassment both within the boundaries and to the country's press as a whole. Cllr Ditta should reflect on his position and resign now, the Conservatives to show some backbone and suspend him if he does not, and Cllr Geraghty, as the leader, should ask himself if he has handled this situation in a professional manner. The answer from the public is a resounding No. Oh and you think you will be re elected as the main party on the council after this? Think again! From a somewhat disillusioned Tory voter, but not impressed at all - sharpen your act.

I suspect, hope at least, that you are typical, in being rather disillusioned as a Tory. How can anyone vote for these people? The Ditta scandal, the traffic planning foul-ups, the incinerator, the massive housing etc. Seriously, I thought it was difficult to get anyone much worse than Labour in office, but the Tories seem to manage it quite nicely. And every time you think they've gone as beneath contempt as possible, they seem to manage to go just that little bit further. Looks to me like Robin Walker and other prominent Tories are keeping their heads down for the moment, but I suspect these people must feel their days are numbered, politically.

Just to clarify, this is Worcester City Council that the article is about. Transport/highways and the incinerator are the reponsibility of the County Council. Indeed, the incinerator is several miles outside the city boundary. As for 'massive housing,' I can't work out what that is, but if you mean the local development plan, that's been led by the County too (with input from other councils.

Irrelevant.

It's all about the Tories and their handling of local government.

Got anything to say about the actual issue? or do you prefer to participate in, or fall for, the local govt trick of dividing 'responsibilities' so that nothing is anyone's fault? Because it does look that way.

Sheesh. How wrong can you be?

I'm absolutely disgusted by the farce that is Allah Ditta, & Worcester City Council. I listened to Cllr Ditta this morning on BBC Hfd & Worcs trying to justify his quite vile comments and indeed behaviour. The only thing that he said that was of any substance was that it's up to the electorate to decide his fate !! Well isn't he and the rest of his gang ( Conservative Party ) listening/reading ?? The leader should be absolutely ashamed of his handling of this situation, and questions should be asked of him too...I'm personally writing directly to Robin Walker & David Cameron demanding that they sort this mess out . Polictics at all levels in this country is at rock bottom.....

Strong sentiments from many commentators. Which of you will be standing at the next elections to create the perfect council?

All of the councillors voted along party lines - so what is proven? In an ideal world, Mr Ditta should be made to face his own electorate in a by-election.

I commented on the thread last night, and will do so again tonight. Firstly people are entitled to their opinions, but you can't make a judgement until you have the full facts in front of you. As of yet, there have been no police charges and we dont know if their will be. Labour should not have jumped straight to the no confidence vote as investigations should be completed at various levels. Also, having sat on it for 2 years, the right and proper avenue to complain about a councillor is through the standards board- as set up by labours ken livingstone. Surely these avenues should be explored first along with the police investigation. Finally, the audio recording was done in an overt manner and is likely to be illegal in it self. I agree we need and expect the best from those in power, and swearing and shouting is not good, but the right to a full and fair trial and hearing to establish the facts is crucial. The Tories should have waited till they passed comment and labour should not have gone straight to the no confidence vote. Both the green and lib dem should have seen the lack of democracy here and abstained or voted against

Well Alex you should know as an ex-councilor.
jovialcommonsense since you frequently demonstrate your political support, how about you standing.
Hell would freeze over before I allowed myself to sit among our councilors. But then I am not a party political animal, prefer to have and to voice an opinion of my own.
The only whip in our house is the one kept for pleasure ha ha.

Jabbadad, there's nothing wrong with having and voicing a reasoned opinion.
What I find distasteful is the rantings of some, who I suspect in an earlier age would be hanging guilty or innocent people from the nearest tree in a vigilante frenzy.
Individuals, as AlexKear has pointed out, are entitled to a fair investigation and hearing.

Jovial, I have in this debate / vigilantist procedure over Ditta expressed how I personally have found Ditta when I had cause to contact him in a non-political way and that he was quite helpful.
Where I criticise and have always done so is the lack of democracy at council meetings when the from both sides and others, councilors just automatically put their hands up in political unison no matter what the issue.This is the same over Ditta but the stakes are as described a lot higher since the control of the City Council is at stake. Apart from the political defeat of Francis Lancaster, Nothing would make me happier than Simon Geraghty to lose his leadership, after his disgraceful treatment of the Disabled and frail Older people of Worcester.
I realise I will have to be patient until the next County or City Council elections, or someone strong stands against him, Now there's a thought.

Nothing would make me happier than Simon Geraghty to lose his leadership, after his disgraceful treatment of the Disabled and frail Older people of Worcester.
I realise I will have to be patient until the next County or City Council elections, or someone strong stands against him, Now there's a thought.
Coulnt put it better myself as its a disgrace how the disabled are being treated now in this country.

The Doosra wrote:
All of the councillors voted along party lines - so what is proven? In an ideal world, Mr Ditta should be made to face his own electorate in a by-election.

I agree. We should have the power to recall councillors, and local government managers, if their behaviour or actions are a cause of major concern.

This could be triggered by a petition, leading to a by-election for councillors, and some form of hearing for managers, which could lead to dismissals.

There would have to be checks and balances, of course. But under the current system, there is very little possibility for voters to have a real say, no matter how bad the council may be.

So at election time, we tend to either stay away, vote on national issues, and just vote for the party we dislike least.

So even the most objectionable councillor could just ride out the storm, and come back again, possibly in a different, safer seat. Or based on their links in a given community, rather than the wider population.

"AlexKear" I'm confused by your opinion?, the judgements being made are based on the behaviour of cllr Ditta, and the fact that he threatened to dig up a dead man's body from his grave if he didn't get his £400, cllr Ditta has admitted this!, and whilst there may be other issues e.g what was the money for? ,who was it paid to? etc, he still threatened to dig up a dead body! and worse to the son of that dead man, HE ADMITTED IT! and that alone surely is disgusting enough! do you really think that this man who would in his own admission sink to such disgusting depths should be a cllr at all? and I hate to state the obvious but cllr Ditta has by now had more than enough time to present proof of the fact that this invoice was real its not like he has not had an opportunity, its been weeks!... lets be realistic! if you had been accused of such a thing, would you not do anything and everything to prove your innocence?,I know that I wouldn't be able do anything else!, I would be providing receipts or bank statements, witnesses, anything I could as quick as I could and yet he has done nothing

induby wrote:
"AlexKear" I'm confused by your opinion?, the judgements being made are based on the behaviour of cllr Ditta, and the fact that he threatened to dig up a dead man's body from his grave if he didn't get his £400, cllr Ditta has admitted this!, and whilst there may be other issues e.g what was the money for? ,who was it paid to? etc, he still threatened to dig up a dead body! and worse to the son of that dead man, HE ADMITTED IT! and that alone surely is disgusting enough! do you really think that this man who would in his own admission sink to such disgusting depths should be a cllr at all? and I hate to state the obvious but cllr Ditta has by now had more than enough time to present proof of the fact that this invoice was real its not like he has not had an opportunity, its been weeks!... lets be realistic! if you had been accused of such a thing, would you not do anything and everything to prove your innocence?,I know that I wouldn't be able do anything else!, I would be providing receipts or bank statements, witnesses, anything I could as quick as I could and yet he has done nothing

Well played, sir

induby wrote:
"AlexKear" I'm confused by your opinion?, the judgements being made are based on the behaviour of cllr Ditta, and the fact that he threatened to dig up a dead man's body from his grave if he didn't get his £400, cllr Ditta has admitted this!, and whilst there may be other issues e.g what was the money for? ,who was it paid to? etc, he still threatened to dig up a dead body! and worse to the son of that dead man, HE ADMITTED IT! and that alone surely is disgusting enough! do you really think that this man who would in his own admission sink to such disgusting depths should be a cllr at all? and I hate to state the obvious but cllr Ditta has by now had more than enough time to present proof of the fact that this invoice was real its not like he has not had an opportunity, its been weeks!... lets be realistic! if you had been accused of such a thing, would you not do anything and everything to prove your innocence?,I know that I wouldn't be able do anything else!, I would be providing receipts or bank statements, witnesses, anything I could as quick as I could and yet he has done nothing

Well played, sir

The Standards Board has been abolished and the local a ethics and Standards Cttees are able ONLY to deal with misbehaviour as a Councillor! So Labour had no choice!

Oh dear. I'm sure I could run the county/city council better than this shower but then I wasn't voted democratically into the job on account of the fact I wouldn't want a job where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Just saying ......

Hamilton60 wrote:
Oh dear. I'm sure I could run the county/city council better than this shower but then I wasn't voted democratically into the job on account of the fact I wouldn't want a job where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Just saying ......

I suspect many people could do better than 'this shower', but they have the kind of jobs which mean they have to work long, unpredictable, hours.

Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck was unable to attend this debate as he is recovering from medical conditions that required hospital treatments; he was only discharged from the Royal Hospital last Friday afternoon before this debate.

However, Councillor Tarbuck wishes it to be known that he disapproves of any behaviour by a fellow councillor that brings this great city into disrepute.

"MikeA", can I take from that then, without all the political claptrap, that means that Aubrey Tarbuck would have voted for the no confidence motion and that he would then be the only conservative to do so ????

induby wrote:
"MikeA", can I take from that then, without all the political claptrap, that means that Aubrey Tarbuck would have voted for the no confidence motion and that he would then be the only conservative to do so ????

Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck has agreed the following quote to be posted in reply to your question:

“It would be unfair not having heard the debate to be precise how I might have voted.

However, having closely followed the news reports from my hospital bed I doubt very much that I could have blindly opposed the motion. I may have abstained if not supported the motion.”

A very telling quote Mr Tarbuck!,

I think it very brave of you to be so honest, it is all so easy to "blindly" tow the line when in such circumstances,
and not to be the thorn in the side of the conservative bloc,

I feel that although your quote would not be looked on so favourably by your conservative colleagues, I believe that your constituents will be relieved that there is one common sense voice of reason in the maddening crowd.

Fran - it's u fortunate that not many of us know about the new standards and ethics committee. I will not give an opinion on right or wrong, however is somebody recorded a conversation of mine in what was actually a covert manner, I would be quite upset. What happened in the moments that led up to the row? Were either party intimated by the other? Who started the argument? Let's see the answers first. As for my political future, trust me I have no intentions, in the 2009 European elections, a year before my time was up, I spoilt my ballot paper, in 2010, clegg the car sales man won me over, however now I will happily state the all politicians, with the exception of the outstanding robin walker have a very long way to even get me to a ballot box let alone county hall or the guildhall

Some very understandable comments, sadly also some very politically motivated ones as well. How quick people are to condemn, and forget many years of service (freely given). I have read many cheap gibes about politicians by people who have no idea what they are talking about. Yes Ditta was stupid with his comments, he is human like the rest of us and he has apologised and no doubt having a very difficult time at the moment. Do I condone what he said - No, I don't but I do thank him for his service to the City as a Councillor and also as an exemplary mayor - Ditta will be judged in local elections. Just remember todays news is tomorrows chip wrapper. We need good people to stand for pubic office, and quite frankly with all the flak they get you have to wonder why they do it - the answer is simple, not for personal gain but to serve the community in which they live. We are lucky to have a democracy, look after it!!!!

Stuart 1 wrote:
Some very understandable comments, sadly also some very politically motivated ones as well. How quick people are to condemn, and forget many years of service (freely given). I have read many cheap gibes about politicians by people who have no idea what they are talking about. Yes Ditta was stupid with his comments, he is human like the rest of us and he has apologised and no doubt having a very difficult time at the moment. Do I condone what he said - No, I don't but I do thank him for his service to the City as a Councillor and also as an exemplary mayor - Ditta will be judged in local elections. Just remember todays news is tomorrows chip wrapper. We need good people to stand for pubic office, and quite frankly with all the flak they get you have to wonder why they do it - the answer is simple, not for personal gain but to serve the community in which they live. We are lucky to have a democracy, look after it!!!!

This looks as though it is written by Allah Dittas spin doctor, former Councillor Lancaster. What a load rubbish, totally missing the point

"theindependantpolit
ician",
By now the people of Worcester can see how desperate the Labour group are to blacken the names of politicians who are not members of their electorally defeated Parliamentary band of Politico's. Allah Ditta is a hard working, local politician and he is paying an unfair price for his many years of unswerving loyalty to his electors. It is the electors who matter and not those in the, power-hungry, Worcester Labour Group, who are thinking only of themselves and not of the interests of the local electors.

first of all in regards to the first comment.. labour did not blacken the name of Mr Ditta, he did it all himself!, by making foul and disgusting threats,not to mention some other undesirable behaviours, his comments were not made under duress, there was not a labour councillor with a knife to his throat !,so how on earth can you hold anyone else responsible but him?


secondly, I think you will find that the majority of constituents no longer want Mr Ditta as a councillor, and therefore regardless of the party the councillors voting against Mr Ditta were doing so because of the great overwhelming public feeling against him, and i'm not denying that it works well for them, that's politics! but as a constituent like many others, I want him gone!.

finally I have to ask any person who see's fit to defend this man and blame everyone else in the world for his actions,
if you lost a parent and you went to lets say the co-op funeral people and you ordered a casket and had the funeral and then you get the bill and you don't pay it, there is a process that reputable (real) companies go through, do you think at any point that people who work for the co-op, would skulk around graveyards telling grieving families they are going to dig up their loved ones and take the casket back, if you don't pay £400? of course not! because first of all its illegal! and secondly its sick!.

I just see the postings of the so-called independent politician as politically childish. Yes the labour group are actively campaigning against Ditta and the Tories, as the Tories would if the situation were reversed. That's the real politics played these days, and NO I don't support these or any actions which are undemocratic. As to your Coronation Street type of example given about funerals, something which is more important is how this controlling (for many years) Tory council can allow our crematorium to be overcrowded when those who come to mourn have to queue outside in all weathers, and when inside stand in cramped conditions, during this possibly most emotional time in some ones life? YES Ditta was wrong for saying what he said and for falling into a political trap, and YES his ward voters will show him the errors of his ways at the next election. It is their decision not ours.
And I do agree about Adrian Gregson, he Williams and Denham need a map to their wards / voters who actually vote Labour (no matter who stands) and not for the local politician.

What a popular topic this is! I guess a tad more popular than this Ditta fellow is at the moment

I do not and never have belonged to any political party. But I am privy to lots of info, which includes councilors expenses, but then so are any member of the public , who wish to know.

to "theindependantpolit
ician",

if you feel the reason people are so against cllr Ditta is because they are all labour supporters/cronies, please explain why Aubrey Tarbuck CONSERVATIVE cllr says just a few posts up this page that... had he been able to attend the meeting he would of most likely abstained or voted for the no confidence motion?.

I cannot believe that someone can be so OBNOXIOUS as to think that the only reason that people would have a problem with cllr Dittas disgusting behaviour is because of what party they support!

Are you for real?? cllr Ditta threatened to dig up a dead body!!
does it register with you how terrible that is? or are you so politically orientated that you only see what it means to your precious party/polls?,
I don't care who is in power! no party realistically represents my ideals and when I have voted in the past for parties who I felt have had the best proposals they have never happened, so it really is inconsequential to me who is in control,but I do believe there are lines that should not be crossed as a decent human being and threatening a family with digging up the dead body of their father over 400 quid, goes well and truly over that line!

Truepear wrote:

Stuart 1 wrote:
Some very understandable comments, sadly also some very politically motivated ones as well. How quick people are to condemn, and forget many years of service (freely given). I have read many cheap gibes about politicians by people who have no idea what they are talking about. Yes Ditta was stupid with his comments, he is human like the rest of us and he has apologised and no doubt having a very difficult time at the moment. Do I condone what he said - No, I don't but I do thank him for his service to the City as a Councillor and also as an exemplary mayor - Ditta will be judged in local elections. Just remember todays news is tomorrows chip wrapper. We need good people to stand for pubic office, and quite frankly with all the flak they get you have to wonder why they do it - the answer is simple, not for personal gain but to serve the community in which they live. We are lucky to have a democracy, look after it!!!!

This looks as though it is written by Allah Dittas spin doctor, former Councillor Lancaster. What a load rubbish, totally missing the point

Truepear- you are so wrong, I am just a worcester lad born and bred. I am non political but I do vote. I also appreciate the work that people do on our behalf and just feel it is such a huge shame when basically good people get vilified.

He probably rides a bike too...like a certain other tory.

"thetruepolitician"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA FUNNY!

so let me unravel your spin!

1,Its the families fault for recording him.

2,Its the labour parties fault because they dare react to overwhelming public feeling against this guy.

3,Its the green parties and lib dems fault to, they also voted for the no confidence motion ,
And while we are here as Aubrey Tarbuck conservative has already quoted he would probably of abstained or voted for the no confidence we had better put a little blame his way too.

4,Its the phones fault for not making a clear enough recording.

5,Its my fault because, I don't have a life.

6,The public's fault for being naive.

Basically its everybody else's fault!

And cllr Ditta is an innocent man who has done nothing wrong, who is being witch hunted and victimised by the nasty, mean people over his "alleged" (but has admitted to ,so not actually alleged at all) comments.

ah I almost feel sorry for him now ....... NOT !,

Not everybody has a strong opinion because they are political,
Some of us just have morals. And think your full of poo!

A full and fair hearing is all that is needed before an opinion and judgement is made. Not saying vote of no confidence should not happen, yes there is a tape recording, yes the language used is morally wrong, but what happened before, who knows? Yes, standards board gone, but this was promoted to the public in my time, now it's gone, none the less if a politician behaved in this manner, questions should be asked. Just a reminder to the labour party though, when John Prescott hit out with his 'punch', he kept his job. Let the police decide here and the public at a ballot box.

IndependentPoliticia
n, I don't think any Political party can openly and honestly talk about funding issues, and to a degree I am glad that Trade unions fund the Labour party, although I am not happy that some trade union leaders have brought democracy into dispute by trying to influence issues for unreasonable political angles, instead of the health & well being of it's rank & File members.
But can we imagine what it would be like without the labour party as an opposition, and under the total control of the Tories who of course for no personal reason at all, are funded by the rich & powerful.
We would still have young children going up chimneys, and the current sweat shops that are being operated here in the UK mostly by Asians would be run by their Tory financial supporters. We would see more engineering jobs being outsourced to Countries who can supply forced cheap labour, and which have been responsible for the large demise of our own industries, but have put loads of money into Captains of Industry Tory pockets. And we would again see longer queues than now at the Soup Kitchens and food banks, while the rich still go to Claridges and the like, and pay more for one meal than pensioners have to Heat & Eat for the whole week. And while on the subject of Heating British Gas (sold by a Labour government I think) increased for the Essentials Tariffs scheme, (those who are seen to be in fuel poverty) form August 18th 2011 Gas by 18% and Electric by 16%.
At the end of September 2012 the Essentials tariff will cease ( due to the withdrawal of government support) and prices will again increase by at least another 20%.
So when Lord Cameron stands at the dispatch box and proudly says we (the Tories) have given the biggest pension increase, they have taken it back in handfuls, Rents have gone up by the maximum allowed to compensate for less investment going to Social Landlords, pensioners who were spending in 2011 on average of £15 a week and more on home fuel will now be paying £20.50 per week and more. Not for a 6 bedded house but on a modest flat.
And food well where the rate of increase figures come from must be that those who are calculating don't (like our politicians) go shopping. There are hundreds of essential foods that have increased by over 40% and pensioners because of income restraints can find the low cost food.
I can assure anyone of that you won't see any pensioner in the supermarkets that I use with a bottle of Bolli in their basket, and I say basket since we no longer need a trolley to carry our weeks shopping (unless for mobility reasons) . So maybe the Tories are probably addressing the fact that we are living longer, and we are getting blamed for this, so perhaps if we are forced to Eat less and not keep warm we will pop off sooner.

I am disappointed at the level criticism aimed at Aubrey Tarbuck. I have quite a lot of admiration for him as a politician and man, who is unlike the other political sheep in the council chambers just following the party line no matter whether they secretly have other thoughts. He is what could be seen as a loose cannon. And if you or anyone else thinks differently then either you are unaware or yourself a Sheep.
I had a brief conversation with him this last week and you didn't need to be a doctor to see / realise that the reason Aubrey is not at council meetings is because he is quite poorly and unable to attend. Since he would not walk away from a fight.
Aubrey shouldn't be dismissed by those who secretly work away to get rid of him. And I think it's safe to say that if the numbers of Tories were higher, and providing they acted in a correct manner then Aubrey would / would be deleted from Tory history. Then those so-called politicians left from all sides can carry on in the old tradition of the party first the people last.
I have listened to debates at Worcester City which for content would not be justified in any sixth form debating circle. Just trying desperately to justify a new policy or round of cuts to services mainly to the less well off and frail, by just packing the words out with drivel. This was Francis Lancaster's normal tactic. But the others just sat there while drivel and innuendos, and policies which were going to seriously affect the less able were spouted, then they amazingly found the conviction to vote in favor of the shameful policy under discussion. Pre-meetings, pre-meeting eh?
Based upon the political antics in the meetings I have attended both at City & County they should all attend without payment and even then they would not be best value.

Well if the hat fits wear it eh?
And I understood that pre-meetings were not allowed by Planning committees.
Not all together surprised by your dis-respect for Aubrey s ill health, typical political position until of course if ever there has been a paired / matched voting arrangement when it suits.
So since I now understand your position I am off for shopping therapy, might soon have to resort to shoplifting when more money still is taken out of my income by the Nasty Tories.
Now where was the Bolli?

to "theindependaentpoli
tician",
the problem with politics is people like you! who cannot except that the general public is intelligent enough to be able to form an opinion of their own and so feel it necessary to bully and spin them into believing yours same as yours.

Also, how stupid do you have to be nowadays to not know basic English and political correctness? as only a complete idiot would refer to "Muslim burials" as "Asian burials" being as Asian refers to descendant's and people of Asia who in case you didn't know are from all different religions,and regions... you know like the Chinese are Asians yet the population is primarily Buddhist or Christian or Indians are Asian but not only are they Muslim but Sikh or Hindu.
Muslims also for the record are not all Asians. idiot...

induby wrote:
"thetruepolitic
ian" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA FUNNY! so let me unravel your spin! 1,Its the families fault for recording him. 2,Its the labour parties fault because they dare react to overwhelming public feeling against this guy. 3,Its the green parties and lib dems fault to, they also voted for the no confidence motion , And while we are here as Aubrey Tarbuck conservative has already quoted he would probably of abstained or voted for the no confidence we had better put a little blame his way too. 4,Its the phones fault for not making a clear enough recording. 5,Its my fault because, I don't have a life. 6,The public's fault for being naive. Basically its everybody else's fault! And cllr Ditta is an innocent man who has done nothing wrong, who is being witch hunted and victimised by the nasty, mean people over his "alleged" (but has admitted to ,so not actually alleged at all) comments. ah I almost feel sorry for him now ....... NOT !, Not everybody has a strong opinion because they are political, Some of us just have morals. And think your full of poo!

Very well said.

jovialcommonsense wrote:
Strong sentiments from many commentators. Which of you will be standing at the next elections to create the perfect council?

I'm guessing those that join one of the two or maybe three main political parties, accept their doctrine, get selected to run for office and then be prepared to lie, cheat & steal in order to maintain the status quo and ensure real change can never happen.

TheIndependentPoliti
cian wrote:
You've just repeated what you put earlier. Are you the Labour spokesperson for one of the trade unions that explains your childish, mundane posts, constantly trotting out the group line to manipulate voters thought processes. Dear oh dear oh dear. How low can this Labour Party sink?

The lowest possible would be the level above yourself.

"theindependentpolit
ian"
You know I really didn't have feelings either way as far as who was in charge was concerned. But thanks to you.. I do now!,
In fact next election i'm going to be first in line to vote labour!
yes thats right!, you have converted me into a BIG FAT LABOUR LOVER!, in fact if I had the time and was not too busy looking after my Arab/Muslim children I would join the labour party! purely because i would never want the likes of you, thinking that you speak for me!

"we love you labour we do"
"we love you labour we do"
"we love you labour we dooo"
"oh labour we love you!",

this is the catchy little ditty I just made up! ;) .

brooksider wrote:

TheIndependentPoliti

cian wrote:
You've just repeated what you put earlier. Are you the Labour spokesperson for one of the trade unions that explains your childish, mundane posts, constantly trotting out the group line to manipulate voters thought processes. Dear oh dear oh dear. How low can this Labour Party sink?

The lowest possible would be the level above yourself.

hahaha, good one!

its" Ditta!!!" DITTA!, D-I-T-T-A there is no "H" im shouting that at you from my socialist platform!.... good grief!, at least labour councillors can spell!, hahahahahahahahaha

so what's your excuse then, genius? its only 4 letters!.

here's how you can remember it! ;)

sing along!!,

"He is D...... despicable ",
"He is I...... ignorant",
"He is T...... threatening",
"He is T...... .a tit",

"he's aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaa,"

"D-I-T-T-A,"

"D-I-T-T-A"

I bet he sang it!, ;)

TheIndependentPoliti
cian wrote:
No they can't!! Their parents spent to long in coal mines from the age of 10 and had Ricketts that's why they're all so dim and backwards!

That would be 'too long in coal mines' not 'to long...'. You use 'too' when you say 'too much, too green, me too, etc, and 'to' when you say 'I'm going to work' or 'to be or not to be'.

How do you expect anyone to vote for you if you are so dim and backward you don't know your to's from your too's?