Local Conservative councillors are refusing to attend tonight’s full council meeting because of concerns over Covid.
Whilst we understand some people’s legitimate anxiety about the sudden lifting of most restrictions, the council is taking every possible step to make sure the meeting is held safely, including switching the location to a larger venue and encouraging attendees to wear masks.
In their statement to the media, the Tory councillors have made no reference to the fact it’s their own Party in government who are forcing councils to meet in person rather than virtually, nor have they apologised to Rainford residents who will be disenfranchised as a result of their refusal to turn up for work.
Cllr Martin Bond, Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, says: “Despite our objections, the Conservative Government forced St Helens Council and other councils across the country to return to physical meetings. But now local Conservatives are saying they won’t turn up for meetings, despite us taking every possible step to hold the meeting safely, and despite there being important items on the agenda affecting residents in Rainford who voted for these councillors. It really is one rule for them and one rule for everyone else.”
Council Leader David Baines says: “I can only imagine how the thousands of frontline council workers who have worked throughout the pandemic must feel. It’s an insult.”