Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Councillor 'under investigation for criticism of junction fines'
This from the Hornsey and Crouch End Journal today about Alan Stanton, a welcome contributor to this site.
Party loyalty - probably unavoidable - but at the cost of standing up for residents' rights?
A councillor claims he is being punished by Haringey's Labour group after breaking ranks and talking to the press about an illegal box junction in Tottenham.
Councillor Alan Stanton (Tottenham Hale ward) is being investigated by Haringey Labour. He claims it is because he criticised the council's failure to repay parking fines issued to motorists who stopped in the illegal box junction by Tottenham bus station.
He spoke to the Journal in April this year and later appeared on the BBC speaking about the issue after pursuing it through standard council channels.
He said: "I take it as a compliment, I'm telling the truth, speaking up for local people. If they want to shoot the messenger that's up to them."
He could now face having the Labour whip withdrawn, meaning he would effectively be expelled from the Labour group. He would keep his seat and must sit as an independent until the whip is restored.
Councillor Claire Kober, Haringey Labour group chief whip, said: "While I can confirm that an internal disciplinary matter is currently being dealt with because of strict procedures, set out in the Labour Party rulebook, I am not permitted to comment on the precise nature of the matter.
"Like any organisation, the Labour group and the Labour Party has procedures in place to see that the rules are followed."
A final decision will be taken by the whole Labour group and members of the Local Government Committee on Thursday, July 17.
As a backbencher Councillor Stanton is free to raise issues on behalf of ward residents but he claims he was told not to speak to the press about the issue.
The Labour group strongly denies that "Labour councillors are discouraged from talking to the media" but did confirm a communications protocol is in place as required by the national Labour Party.
Haringey Council's constitution says under the member's code of conduct section: "Members may take account of the views of others, including their political groups, but should reach their own conclusions on issues before them and act in accordance with those conclusions.
Party loyalty - probably unavoidable - but at the cost of standing up for residents' rights?
A councillor claims he is being punished by Haringey's Labour group after breaking ranks and talking to the press about an illegal box junction in Tottenham.
Councillor Alan Stanton (Tottenham Hale ward) is being investigated by Haringey Labour. He claims it is because he criticised the council's failure to repay parking fines issued to motorists who stopped in the illegal box junction by Tottenham bus station.
He spoke to the Journal in April this year and later appeared on the BBC speaking about the issue after pursuing it through standard council channels.
He said: "I take it as a compliment, I'm telling the truth, speaking up for local people. If they want to shoot the messenger that's up to them."
He could now face having the Labour whip withdrawn, meaning he would effectively be expelled from the Labour group. He would keep his seat and must sit as an independent until the whip is restored.
Councillor Claire Kober, Haringey Labour group chief whip, said: "While I can confirm that an internal disciplinary matter is currently being dealt with because of strict procedures, set out in the Labour Party rulebook, I am not permitted to comment on the precise nature of the matter.
"Like any organisation, the Labour group and the Labour Party has procedures in place to see that the rules are followed."
A final decision will be taken by the whole Labour group and members of the Local Government Committee on Thursday, July 17.
As a backbencher Councillor Stanton is free to raise issues on behalf of ward residents but he claims he was told not to speak to the press about the issue.
The Labour group strongly denies that "Labour councillors are discouraged from talking to the media" but did confirm a communications protocol is in place as required by the national Labour Party.
Haringey Council's constitution says under the member's code of conduct section: "Members may take account of the views of others, including their political groups, but should reach their own conclusions on issues before them and act in accordance with those conclusions.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by matt on
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I don't think it's wise of the Labour Party to pursue this. If Alan ends up as an 'independent' candidate in the next local elections then Labour's margin narrows even further. I think there's only 2 seats in it before control of the council is lost, assuming voting patterns are similar to last elections (a fairly big assumption).
Alan's pursuit of constituent's concerns is refreshing and to be welcomed. Honesty is the greatest virtue a politician can (and should) have.
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Permalink Reply by Anette on
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This is ridiculous and really unfair. Have they forgotten they're meant to work for us? That they depend on us to be elected? They are effectively creating a "them and us" policy by acting as if Alan is a mixture between a traitor and a naughty schoolboy that needs punishment.
I agree with Matt, honesty is refreshing, and it's something all politicians should aim for (in my dreams).
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I agree with Anette; honesty is refreshing. The issues become crisp, clear & alive;
Our politicians should make us feel good about living in the area that we do. It doesn't have to be a struggle. Intrigue, infighting, back stabbing; that's all such a waste of energy!
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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Thanks to Hugh for highlighting this item from the Hornsey Journal. And for his and other messages of support posted on HarringayOnline, or sent to me directly. As the Journal reported this week (24 July 2008) the matter is now closed.
However, entirely without prompting or pressure, fear or favour, I'd like to make a grovelling and sincere apology. It was entirely wrong of me to mislead people by suggesting that Cllr Ray Dodds and I could be nominated for the Freedom of the Borough for our scrutiny work on Haringey Parking Service. I now fully accept that this was woefully premature. As Tony Blair rightly said: "Hey guys, a lot done, a lot still to do". #
In other words, voters must first see that we've got it right, literally "on the ground". And that means not just lawful yellow junction boxes; but correctly marked white lines. And perhaps even parking signs which don't require an advanced degree in Boolean algebra to avoid getting a fine.
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# To avoid any further misunderstanding, can I make it clear that Tony didn't actually say this to us personally. And I can't be sure whether or not he had Haringey Parking Service in mind when said it.
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