Cambridgeshire’s most outspoken district councillor – if not in the whole country – is on the verge of resigning after 36 years, blaming political correctness and his denial to the right of free speech.
Free speech is the trademark for Robin Page, former presenter of One Man and His Dog, and one of life’s true eccentrics. It is as vital to him
as the blood that flows through his veins.
Robin, an Independent, explains why he has now had enough:
“This Government is systematically destroying democracy at local level throughout Britain. To make the task easier, it has removed the right of free speech from councillors – absurd new regulations means those who fight back can now be hounded out of office, even though they have been democratically elected.”
Robin is referring to New Labour’s Local Government Act of 2000 which meant that council committees which gave every councillor a voice was scrapped and replaced by a Cabinet system and portfolio holder. Those holders have virtually taken ordinary councillors out of the policy-making loop.
Then a code of conduct was introduced in 2001 which further controlled free speech and debate. And Robin likes to say what he thinks, without any restrictions, after all, isn’t that why he was elected? Recently, Robin was reported for “baaing” like a sheep when Lib Dem councillors voted in unsion. It seems they can’t take a joke. But that’s how petty and over-regulated it has become. It’s not politics.
Robin reckons the regulations they have to adhere to have gone way over the top, it has resulted in members with mobile phones being told they cannot make decisions about phone masts and, astonishingly, councillors elected to campaign against massive local development have been gagged from speaking about it because they live nearby.
It will be a great loss to South Cambridgeshire when Robin steps down. He had so much passion for his political work. The final straw was Ruth Kelly’s White Paper last week which Robin believes will inevitably take power away from the communities, and he face that too.
I remember seeing Robin in action in the council chamber, he certainly livened up the debate, you knew you were going to get a good headline. He woke up many a dull meeting. He was also a keen campaigner on environmental issues long before it became fashionable – or essential – his ideas were way ahead of the time. But then most members were retired, they were just not ready, or prepared, for someone outspoken like Robin.
Robin will never be silenced, I can fully understand his frustrations, I hope that Conservatives will restore the voice to local councils and Robin will be tempted back.
We don’t want sheep running our local democracies, we want strong minded individuals who are not afraid to speak up for those they were elected to serve.
He certainly belongs to that rare, nigh extinct, breed of politicians who believe in representing the people that actually elect them rather than serving as cannon fodder for any political machine. I wish he wasn’t in Ukip though. And is SCDC still the “mini banana reublic” that Page once called it?
I’ve heard about this; Robin has served for 36 years, and is a real representative of the people. There ought to be more like him.
Istanbul Tory, Robin isn’t UPIP, he’s Independent through and through, he refuses to be tie to any political party’s dogma.
I stand corrected. But wasn’t Mr Page Ukip’s candidate for South Camb. at the last general election and a ukip candidate for the Euro elections in 2004? I naturally assumed…..
Istanbul Tory, I do believe you are right, I had forgotten that, well done, he was the next in line for a Euro seat if my memory is correct. So he may well resurface again either as a future UKIP parliamentary candidate, or as an MEP. He will not stand a chance of ousting Andrew Lansley in South Cambs though.
Lansley is a first-class MP. And Page does sterling work as a councillor- no doubt about it.
Istanbul Tory, True, but I’m wondering why Robin didn’t fly the Green Party flag as he is such a keen environmentalist.
The fact that the Green Party mentality is dominated by the notion that “government knows best,” probably turned him off. Also John Norris, the green party’s international coordinator, said in 2004 that “The Greens are an unashamedly…pro-European party. ‘suspect Mr. Page wouldn’t have been too keen on that. There’s certainly no love lost between Ukip and the Green Party in your neck of the woods:
http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/1501
Istanbul Tory, What you say makes sense. Out of interest, how do you know my neck of the woods so well from your far and distant shores? Or do you have an amazing memory for detail for all constituencies?
A confession-I am a political nerd.You’d probably had your suspicions. But more than that, should I return to Blighty from the Mohammedan lands, I am thinking of locating to the Cambridgeshire area (provided Mrs Istanbul Tory gives the OK). Thus, I’m following the property market and local politics.
Istanbul Tory, Cambridgeshire is an excellent choice of location, and if you ever need any assistance with obtaining local info, then don’t hesitate to ask. Cambridge city needs a good shake up politically, it doesn’t have one Conservative councillor, maybe you would consider standing, or perhaps Mrs IT.
Cheers, Ellee.
‘pity about the lack of Conservative representation on Cambridge City Council. I would certainly run if given a choice. Mrs IT, alas, is a confirmed lefty-an entirely hopeless case.
No Conservatives in Cambridge. Isn’t that a bit like no Labour councillors in Liverpool?
Ellee, What’s the latest with Cambridge City FC and their ground problems?
Jeremy, It’s shocking, but true, though of course, we do have Conservative county councillors.
As far as I know, both Cambridge United and Cambridge City are in the doldrums (a far cry from a few years ago when they were both riding the crest of a wave). Cambridge City wanted to sell its site to a developer and share the United grounds, only the fans protested and joined forces to buy it, so they now run the club. I used to go and watch CU, but haven’t been for a while, I liked their French goalie, but he was given the heave-ho and it’s not as much fun any more.
[…] The councillor, the travellers and that explosive remark By Ellee I’ve sat in many council meetings and had a job staying awake. However, my ears always pricked up at South Cambridgeshire Council when Deborah Roberts and Robin Page stood up because I knew I could expect a good quote. […]
[…] Last November Robin threw in the towel as a South Cambridgeshire councillor after 35 years, blaming political correctness and his denial to the right of free speech. He is very much in the same mould as Clarissa Dickson Wright. […]
Reading the words of Robin Page makes my whole body shiver in the nicest possible way because he speaks the truth, and in politics, it’s a shock. Only Boris Johnson can claim that reputation in Westminster and is ridiculed for it.
Robin Page will be such a loss.
I congratulate him on the work he’s done and wish him happy.