WORCESTER's Labour Group made a silent protest at this week's city council meeting over a shake-up of its scrutiny committees.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, Labour group leader, said he questioned the Conservatives' moral justification to vote on changes to the way the council is run, while several Labour candidates were at the Labour conference.

"It is most regrettable the Cabinet is asking the council meeting to agree to major constitutional changes in our absence, said Coun Gregson.

But Coun Stephen Inman, leader of the council, hit back at the Labour group at Tuesday's meetings, saying it should get its priorities straight.

"I'm appalled by what I've heard - where are their priorities? Are they with the Labour party in Bournemouth or with the people of Worcester?" he said.

Varied process

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Inman said the shake-up, approved by councillors, would see a more forward-looking and varied scrutiny process.

The changes include four existing scrutiny committees and a co-ordinating committee and will be replaced by one main scrutiny committee.

"In other words there is an early bite of the cherry one or two months in advance and not after the decision has been made by the cabinet," said Coun Inman.

He said the changes would not see a diminished level of opposition representation

However, speaking after the meeting, Coun Gregson remained fiercely opposed.

"I still think it is a cynical attempt to stifle democracy in the council and to inhibit the opportunity for elected representatives to represent their electors," he said.

The matter will now go before the council's policy and review committee on Tuesday, November 11.