Boston borough councillor Richard Leggott quits committee post

A BOSTON borough councillor has resigned as chairman of the council's audit and governance committee.

Independent councillor Richard Leggott stepped down following a meeting of the overview and scrutiny corporate and community committee which considered options regarding how the authority was led.

Councillor for Swineshead with Holland Fen ward, Cllr Leggott said: "Having worked with several members of the present administration in opposition for four years, 2007-2011, I was hopeful that their expressions of dissatisfaction regarding the exclusive decision making process employed by the past (BBI) administration were sincere.

"It now appears that, after two years in power, the idea of changing the process from a single party, exclusive group process, and returning it to all elected councillors is to be forgotten."

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Discussions took place regarding the option of returning to a committee-based governance system, moving away from a cabinet-led system, but this was not supported by members.

Cllr Leggott contacted the Target again following the announcement of his resignation, to say: "Since my resignation as chairman of BBC Audit and Governance Committee I have heard it expressed that I am protesting against the cabinet system of governance at Boston Borough.

"While I do not think that the cabinet and leader system operating in Boston is the best system for local government, I can live with it although there are, I believe, variations and other systems that would serve the people of the borough better as far as democratic representation is concerned.

"My resignation was to distance myself from the present exclusive way that local government is being operated in Boston."

Boston Borough Council leader Peter Bedford said he was 'sorry' that Cllr Leggott had stood down.

He said: "I called Richard to say how sorry I was about him resigning but that is his choice.

"It's sad for the people of Boston that one of the most experienced councillors, who was doing a very good job as audit and governance chairman, has resigned.

"I hoped he would continue but he felt that after the scrutiny committee voted not to go back to a committee system that he lost his battle.

"I have never objected to the cabinet system and have always been in support of it.

"Myself and Richard have been friends inside and outside the cabinet for 21 years and I am sure that will continue.

"I am very sad he has chosen to go down this line."