this is what Was has to say on the putative Labour-Green coalition in Reading (which is unlikely to happen)
Labour simply cannot afford to give the Greens anything that can be put on a leaflet in Park ward as a Green policy win no matter how small which means that unless they insist on a formal and publicly available document listing in detail what has been promised by Labour in return for power, they will find that once in charge any promises made will not get a veggie sausage to show for it.
Why? Labour are terrified of losing their totemic ward of Park completely to the Greens. Sure Jon Hartley will come up with some bogus reason why he will be stepping down to dodge personal embarrassment but Labour will fight like rats in a sack to avoid losing Martin Salter's heartland ward. It means there can be no Green initiatives that can be put to the electorate.
8 comments:
I don't think the current leadership in Reading considers Park ward heartland any more. They will easily become the majority party next year without it, gaining Redlands, Church and Katesgrove. The key question is what the Green party (not just group) think. Their preference is always to be as unaligned as possible, but would not support the Tories. If I were them I would support a Labour leader of the Council, and let the current deputy mayor become mayor. That way they have an insurance policy, as they can abstain on Labour motions and the mayor's casting vote will be opposition. I certainly wouldn't take a cabinet seat in their position.
but then what do the Greens get? no policy goodies that's for sure. the view on Park is emotional not rational of course. Was is right as far as that goes.
The Greens get what they want, as they can withdraw their support very easily if they aren't in Cabinet and there is a Tory Mayor. ie not a coalition, as Was says, but "supply and support" if that's the right phrase.
Personally I think Labour in Reading would rather have minority control than be in coalition anyway, but I'm out of date on current thinking, of course.
and a minority administration does not have the legitimacy in democratic terms that a majority coalition would
So what actually is happening re the control of Reading? Are they still talking?
If, as I presume, Labour has the biggest say-so, then surely the voters will have seen by next May where to put the X.
L9
Is that the same was who was seen scuttling to a Lib Dem group meeting on Monday?
Anon 12:45 I scuttled along to Brixton Academy yesterday but I can exclusively reveal that rumours about me joining Suede are incorrect.
So in answer to your question, no, it is a different Was, because this one didn't go to a Lib Dem Group meeting on Monday.
and Jonny it is "confidence and supply" - which I learned from Rob Wilson's book
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