Great film, not such a great idea..

Oldham Council
PARTY leaders clashed over suggestion to ditch having a leader and cabinet.

Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes said he would prefer a return to the committee-based system, but asked the council to move a motion allowing a scrutiny committee to examine its merits.

He was shot down by Councillor Shoab Akhtar, who told him: “Back to the Future was a great film, but it's not a great idea for this council.”

If the committee-based system was restored, it would mean decision being debated by various committees rather than by a council leader and cabinet members.

Councillor Sykes said there was something to be said for a hybrid model and asked for a geenral review.

Councillor John Hudson said: “No wonder the people of Oldham question the number of councillors when everything is decided by seven or eight people — is that democracy?”

But Councillor Akhtar said it would be a backward move. The council voted against the plans.