Conference boycott sparks war of words

OLDHAM’S Labour councillors are boycotting a trip to Bournemouth for this year’s Local Government Conference.

Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon will not join fellow Tory and Liberal Democrat leaders Jack Hulme and Howard Sykes, and Chief Executive Charlie Parker, for the July conference.

But Labour’s break with tradition has been criticised by Councillor Hulme.

He said the conference, from July 6 to 8, will focus on building confidence in local government, providing economic leadership during the downturn, and reducing waste and improving efficiency.

It costs £519 per delegate.

Councillor Hulme added: “After refusing to participate in a Cabinet of all the talents, and now in declining to attend the most significant local government conference of the year, it seems like the Labour group are more interested in scoring political points than making a real constructive contribution to the future of Oldham.

“We all know that we are going to have to make significant savings and we will need to think innovatively if we are to provide the sort of services that our residents expect.

“This conference is a wonderful opportunity for us to share ideas, and learn from the experiences of the best performing councils in the country.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for performance and value for money, said: “Usually, the council sends between nine and 12 delegates, but this year only a small five-person delegation will attend the conference in Bournemouth, made up of three councillors and two officers.

“The cost of the three day conference is £519 per delegate, plus standard-class travel and accommodation, which is the rate all other delegates are paying.”

But Councillor McMahon in unrepentant and said: “It is going to cost thousands.

“The Labour group is not taking part and questions whether Oldham should pay £70,000 a year to be a member of the Local Government Association. What do we get for it?”