News from Bromley Labour

Confusion over Bromley’s education policy shows Conservative divisions

The Leader of Bromley council, Conservative Councillor Stephen Carr, today had to step in to deny that the council are considering using tax payers’ money to subsidise children at private schools.

The possibility was first raised at the June council meeting by Councillor Peter Morgan. In response, the Portfolio Holder for Children & Young People, Councillor Ernest Noad, had said that he would look into the matter.

After the Evening Standard reported on the plan, Councillor Morgan told Radio 5 his proposal and said the council were looking into the possibility, only to find his Leader had slapped down the notion later in the day.

Councillor John Getgood, Leader of Bromley’s Labour opposition, suggests that an explanation may be found in the fact that Councillor Morgan unsuccessfully challenged Councillor Carr for the leadership of the Tory Group in May, and is known to lead a group of Tory councillors who have policy differences with the current Tory leadership.

Councillor Getgood explained:

“Today’s developments show that the Tory majority on Bromley Council are deeply split. Like the Tories nationally, Bromley Tories are always trying to give the impression that they have changed from the old Thatcherite Tory party but today we have seen that the traditional Tory priorities of bashing ordinary people and helping the wealthy are only just being hidden below the surface.”

Other news from Bromley Labour

• Bromley Council Tax to rise after Tories fail to back Labour's call for a freeze - 17 February 2010
• London's Conservative Councils are a threat to the Freedom Pass - 8 February 2010
• Good services have to be paid for in Bromley - 8 February 2010