Corrupt and cynical Britain

The other unintended consequence of publicising corruption is making it very difficult for honest politicians who observe the rules to be trusted.

A wealthy landowner has recently made several successful planning applications. One of the local councillors is a friend of his and has been entertained at his home. Because of this the councillor has scrupulously declared an interest in accordance with the code of conduct. He never votes on these planning applivations, nor does he take part in discussions relating to them with other councillors or officials and leaves the room when these planning applications have been considered.

In spite of this he is constantly accused, either directly or by inuendo of being "on the take". This is being whipped up by his political opponents and is likely to be used against him if he stands for re-election.

What kind of councillors do we want? Councillors who have no friends at all? Who would want to elect them?

Local borough level politics is a hotbed of cronyism, and it is nigh on impossible to succeed as an independent. I agree about everyone being tainted with the corruption brush, friend's DH has experienced some very nasty stuff on FB, he is a PC member and the allegations of him being on the take, of taking 'brown envelopes' are frequent. Assuming this is happening at all levels, many decent people with the best of intentions likely decide that politics, local or national, is not for them. It takes a very thick skin.

My district council has been controlled by independents for a few years. There is currently an increase in the number of independent councillors in a number of places. Nevertheless, I agree that local politics is infested by cronyism and, in some cases, corruption. However, the corruption is illegal - what we seem to have at national level is "legal" cronyism and corruption. It's not just individuals who need bringing to account, but the laws themselves.

It’s very hard to get elected as an independant, however until last year our councilor had served 25 yrs, 10 as a Tory 5 as a Liberal the final 10 independant. So was well known before going it alone.
Personally I think it would be better to have Party Politics out of local government