We need honesty from councillors

DEAR Editor, The recent report on the 2017 bin dispute is alarming, given that it raises the possibility that there is a need to “consider whether there are grounds for bringing action against a (council) member for both misconduct and misfeasance in public office”.

Although you report that the investigation “exonerates the present leader (and) deputy leader” of the council because “they did challenge” the former leader’s actions I believe Councillor Robert Alden is right to call for their resignations because they should have taken stronger action to prevent the then-leader’s actions, even if it meant them resigning from their posts in protest.

The report identifies that some cabinet members failed to challenge the former leader “for fear of losing their posts” and some of those councillor’s continue to hold cabinet posts, indeed some more senior than previously. It seems fair for the public to expect all members of the former cabinet who now hold posts in that formed by the present council leader to reveal whether or not they did challenge the former leader’s position and if they did not do so to give their reasons.

Birmingham is in a financially perilous position at present and citizens should be able to know that those who occupy senior political posts in the city are capable of exercising good judgement and are not solely concerned about their own careers.

The ability to be elected by citizens to represent them does not necessarily mean that those elected are fit or qualified to carry out civic governmental roles at a senior level. Birmingham needs the most able and appropriate people to occupy such positions