John Redwood MP tells Wokingham Lib Dems of his disappointment with "State of the District" Debate (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

Wokingham Liberal Democrats <info@wokinghamlibdems.org.uk>

John Redwood MP tells Wokingham Lib Dems of his disappointment with "State of the District" Debate

January 14, 2004 12:00 AM

Following the second "State of the District" debate, held at Wokingham District Council at Shute End on 25th September 2003, John Redwood, MP for Wokingham, wrote to Wokingham Lib Dems saying how disappointed he was to have received very little notice of the event, and was therefore unable to attend.

Talking about the organisation of the annual State of the District debate, John Redwood said, "I do think it might help to have some preparatory exchange of views in the form of e-mails or letters. It would certainly help to have publicity, giving an outline of topics for discussion as people from outside might want to join in."

Councillor Coling Lawley (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) said, "I never thought I would be agreeing with John Redwood, but he has my wholehearted support on this. The whole point of a State of the District debate is for a meaningful exchange of views to take place. John Redwood is just one of a number of people who have expressed concern and disappointment that the debate was not participative and interactive.

"As happened last year, this is going to be discussed at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting at Wokingham District Council and this meeting takes place this evening. Most of last year's recommendations to improve the debate were completely ignored by the Tory Executive, but I hope that John Redwood's letter will make them sit up and take notice this time."