The comparison with Gwynne seems much fairer than the one with those holding ministerial posts.
I don't know Mr Gwynne or why he is retaining his Council seat in Reddish North or wherever. But I do expect he is representing that ward better than JL is representing Chorlton Park.
Some back bench councillors in both parties are effectively full time (or at least include on other occupation or business in their RMI) but I think the general idea is 14 hours for back bench, another 7 for deputy or scrutiny chair, another 7 for exec.
Fine with a part time or even a full time job in Manchester with lots of time off or weekend and evening work. But not fine on top of a parliamentary career in London. Yesterday Leech was not at Council though the LDs did try in Council to big up his rather pathetic police debate in which he (a) admitted budget balanced for coming year and (b) insulted Anne Coffey MP. He is the weakest link. He should be voted off asap.
Ministerial posts are surely more akin to holding an Executive portfolio on Council, being a team leader in a work situation. Having said that I would support some better arrangements to assist Ministers with constituency matters.
But doesn't Leech pretend to be number three or four in the Lib Dem transport team anyway?
Thomas - are all these Lib Dem (ex Labour!!! hah) comments still coming from IP addresses controlled by Lib Dem councillors, MPs and paid officials?
That's chronic stupidity isn't it?
