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Council jibes on absences

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 20th May 2004.

RUTH Coleman, North Wiltshire District Council's leader, swept to victory in a re-election vote despite jibes by members about frequent absences.

The Liberal Democrats have also announced that she is standing in the Euro election on June 10.

Coun Coleman's first year of leadership was endorsed by her Liberal Democrat colleagues, when they confirmed their faith in her abilities by re-electing her unopposed.

But prior to the vote two councillors commented on her absences from meetings, and one proposed that her deputy Coun Doreen Darby should be leader.

During question time at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, Coun Philip Allnatt asked: "What plans does the leader have to visit Chippenham?"

Coun John Thomson went further and proposed Coun Darby as leader.

But Coun Darby declined to stand.

After the meeting Coun Allnatt said: "My question was a bit of a leg pull but did contain an element of truth. She has missed a few executive meetings."

He said: "I think she is a very able person but I am not happy the council is led effectively ­ not from bad motives but because of her commitments."

Coun Coleman said she was not away from the district council more than she had to be and her re-election illustrated the level of support she enjoyed from other members.

"I was re-elected by a unanimous decision from my group," she said.

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