Alastair Cunnington

Let me elay any fears that I am a Labour supporter, far from it, baring in mind that I still have the scars from when they stabbed me in the back!

On the face of it and the mis-reporting by the Argus (which they agreed was as a result of incorrect information given to them initially), I quite appreciate that the electorate will feel betrayed, I would feel the same, however my decision when explained will I hope, prove to get the best deal for our ward, which is what I promised to do - and to achieve this I had to seize an opportunity to gain what is probably the most important casting voting position in the County, which I intend to use as a lever to get facilities in Two Locks and Henllys in particular, not forgetting the rest of the county.

Given the election result, a meeting was called of all the political parties and the Independants. At that first meeting I asked the question who is going to run the council, when no answer came, I asked who was qualified to run the council and who had any relevant experience. No one came forward and it was evident there was no credible contenders.

At this point I left the meeting, feeling that the meeting was going no where. I decided that given the balance of Labour against the other Independants who subsequently then agreed to form as a group led by the Conservatives, I was keen to keep my independance and not be tied by a group whip, but would work with anyone in the best interests of democracy. I then discussed the position with Labour re-enforcing their fragile position and the value of my vote which would be crucial, I considered that not changing the existing cabinet members to be the least disruptive option - and setting personalities aside, it cannot be denied that they had more experience in there relative posts for the moment - laying out very strict conditions and making them aware of my requests in respect of my own ward, an agreement was reached.

If you are prepared to think about what I am trying to achieve, you’ll see it’s not to help Labour, but to establish a foothold where, as someone commented earlier, they need me more than I need them (and that applies to the opposition group as well). What does the average non-labour voter want in Torfaen… Change, but what we need is long term change in the way the council is run and importantly making it more accountable to the people.

To do that we need to ensure that in future no group or party has a position so secure that they can ignore public opinion. I knew that it would not be easy and that I would come under heavy critisism until the plan could be explained in full and this is in itself testimony as to how determined I am to work for change. ..But you need a workable plan. I will work with the rest of the non-labour group providing that they are prepared to do it

The Labour group are aware of their fragile position and have been forced into listening since they can’t move left or right without my input, and they are aware in no uncertain terms that if they try to railroad items through that I do not agree with, then I will block them. Gone are the days where decisions are taken for granted and to be fair they have agreed to listen.

As a safe guard I have made it plain in no uncertain terms that if they do not listen, I will simply remove the power of my vote, which is considerable….and then end of Labour.

I have not signed any agreement with Labour ( a matter of Public Record).

I am not there to make political friends with Labour or anyone else in fact, simply to get the best for the community and yes by any means, which I have done and I have to say that I have achieved something good for the ward, by siezing an opportunity that the others missed - which has caused a few sour grapes comments, but in the game of politics its about strong character and its either lead or get out of the way which is what I have done - a matter of fact.

When things settle and the “festival atmosphere” dies down - and some of these newly elected councillors present some sensible ideas and proposals - and I do believe that there are some clever, talented and good people amongst them, then I can look at making some changes.

But ultimately I am not prepared to be part of any group which could potentially jepodise communities, services, peoples livelyhoods and a budget of £240+ million by simply voting in a new crew of mainly inexperienced new councillors and “experimenting” with the running of a council.

As for the over zealous reporting of my committee membership, well there is not much point in being a councillor if you have no useful voting power or input… and if anyone thinks that I am a new wet behind the ears kid that has been “granted” a bit of power by the Leader, who then runs around shouting Yippee…then think again.

In reference to the jibes in the press that I have “sold out” for a few thousand pounds over the basic salary that everyone gets, then I can assure you that I am not so badly off that I need to do that… and as I stated, without trying to portray bravado, but as an example, my rolex watch cost more than the allowance, which is an illustration as to what I am trying to say. Furthermore, to support my motives, bare in mind that I sat as a councillor for five years without the allowances all councillors enjoy now.

In fairness to the Leader, Councillor Wellington has promised me that the Labour Group will listen - I have re-enforced that they will have to, since without my steadying and cautious casting vote they will cease to be, which they well understand. This should also be a warning to any Maverick executive officers who think that they will slip in any items in un-noticed - be warned that in my case, you won’t have to get up early to do it, you’ll have to stay up all night!

I hope that this in some way explains the situation.

I will not let my voters down. Sometimes you need a veiled or obscure plan to achieve the obvious.

I’ll always listen and if you have any sensible ideas I’m always prepared to discuss them and remember - nothing is cast in stone

Regards

Alastair