In his first action as Mayor, Cllr Paul Valentine has opened the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council and almost immediately adjourned it.
The exact reason for the adjournment isn’t quite clear but the speculation is that legal problems have been foreseen in the proposition to move Lambeth’s governance from a Cabinet system to a Committee system.
Within a few minutes of taking their seats, councillors have left the chamber, apparently to discuss the ramifications.
They’re starting to drift back. The speculation is that a hybrid system may be mooted, with both a cabinet and committee structure for improved transparency and accountability.
We were told it would be a thirty minute recess, but it’s been over an hour. Most of the chamber’s opposition seats are now re occupied. Greens still in recess with council officers.
Greens returning now, but no sign of the Mayor or the council officers returning.
One local resident in the public gallery demands to know what’s happening. Seated councillors applaud her, but officials tell her to be seated and not to shout.
Papers are now being distributed, action expected soon.
Mayor returns, business underway. Abrams addresses the chamber, to hear the constitutional vote first, followed by positions going forward, and members allowances put to the end.
Cllr Valentine calls for comments from opposition groups. Labour claim confusion.
Jonathan Bartley clarifies that the current meeting is for the purpose of constitutional EGM, Lib Dem Cllr Simon Cordon stands to officially put forward the emergency constitutional motion.
Future governance and democratic reform in Lambeth, is the primary debate. Matthew Bryant stands to confirm the issue. Abrams also stands to confirm.
No hands are raised to oppose the motion, all the Labour group abstain. The chamber will now go to three minute speeches on the motion, first two Lib Dem amendments.
