Bullying claims as Lib Dems walk out

A BITTER row has broken out at Hull Council after opposition Liberal Democrats walked out of a meeting in protest at what they claimed were “bully-boy tactics” by the ruling Labour group.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Oct 2012, 07:00 BST

All 13 Lib Dem councillors who were at the full council meeting in the Guildhall yesterday walked out after claiming Labour had used its majority to vote against debates on five consecutive issues, including council job cuts, road works, changes to bin collections and crime.

Lib Dem deputy leader Councillor Mike Ross said: “I think it’s an absolute outrage for local democracy and a slap in the face for people who put their trust in Labour. If they are not prepared to do their job and defend what they have done they shouldn’t be there.”

However, Labour hit back, accusing the Lib Dems of “hypocrisy” given their record in power, and behaving like “petulant children”. Group secretary Coun Tom McVie added: “They need to consider how their actions today reflect on them and how it enables them to represent anyone.”

Labour Lib Dems