Liberal Democrat reaction to Labour AGM

8.01.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2008

Haringey Lib Dems have responded with incredulity at the results of the Labour Annual General Meeting. The calamitous Cllr Dhiren Basu has been reappointed Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning.

Cllr Basu cost the Council millions of pounds with the disastrous Council computer upgrade (Tech Refresh) in 2005 and more recently was in charge of the unilateral withdrawal of leisure passes for older people without consulting anyone - he only back-tracked on the decision following an outcry from residents, Lib Dems and even some of his fellow Labour Councillors.

Cllr David Winskill, Lib Dem Spokesperson on Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning comments:

"It really is incredible and one wonders what one has to do to get sacked by Haringey Labour. Thirteen million pounds overspent on Tech refresh, ignoring our elders on the leisure passes and slashing the Parks Police budget, it seems wholly irresponsible for Labour to put him in charge - no wonder Haringey are having to sell advertising in Parks to make the books balance."

Lib Dem Deputy Leader Cllr Richard Wilson adds:

"This speaks volumes about Haringey Labour - incompetence is rewarded and no-one takes responsibility for failure."

"The reappointment of Cllr Basu is yet another slap in the face for residents who care about their parks, libraries and leisure centres."

Notes:

Previous press releases on the Tech Refresh fiasco http://www.lynnefeatherstone.org/news1568-tech-refresh.htm http://www.lynnefeatherstone.org/news1609-tech-refresh.htm http://www.lynnefeatherstone.org/news1633-tech-refresh.htm