BRUM REWARDS THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

24-05-2007

It’s been a good week for Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby who fought off allegations that he was abusing his official car and won a constitutional battle that asserts his authority over the Mayor. But whatever possessed him to back an award for Labour’s “invisible woman”.

At Tuesday’s Council meeting, former Stockland Green councillor Margaret Wells was named an “honorary alderman”, awarded to those who have given - and I quote - “particularly notable service to the city”.

No doubt when she was elected in 1988 Wells was as well-motivated as anybody, and at one time she was even chair of the Public Protection Committee.

But over recent years, her record speaks of breathtaking arrogance and contempt for her electorate.

Since 2004 she’s lived in Northumberland, making it rather difficult to take part in council debates and host constituency surgeries.

So difficult, in fact, that she didn’t bother.

Outraged local residents asked the council’s legal team to kick out “the invisible woman”, but were told it was impossible as long as she attended a council meeting once every six months.

Wells knew the rule book by heart and duly showed up in the chamber twice a year, thus fulfilling her legal requirements. This meant she was entitled to her allowance of £15,148 per annum for simply showing her face - nice work if you can get it.

Labour colleagues were so frustrated that they removed the party whip from Wells, although she was never formally expelled from the party - because, according to a spokesman, she had never actively campaigned against the party or brought it into disrepute.

At least they had their revenge on Tuesday, when senior figures including Labour leader Sir Albert Bore and his deputy Ian Ward commendably voted against Wells alderman award - along with 14 other colleagues.

Only two Lib Dems voted against though (Iain Bowen and Penny Wagg) but all 41 Tories present in the chamber gave her the thumbs up, including Whitby.

Thus a woman who has failed her constituents and ripped off the taxpayer can wear a badge of honour from the city of Birmingham - with the leader’s endorsement.