I was astonished to read the Labour cabinet member's letter in the SLP blaming the former Tory/Lib Dem administration for a cut in the book fund. Believe me, the last administration increased the amount spent on books in Lambeth libraries after years of Labour underfunding.
I wonder if anyone remembers that the last Labour administration was about to close the Carnegie Library and turn it into flats? Let's hope this new Labour administration isn't planning to do the same.
In fact the new Labour administration seems to be generally confused about which are its achievements and what are those of the former administration. They have put out press releases trumpeting all sorts of things which were in fact the result of commitments and investment by the previous Tory/Lib Dem administration - not least the
Not one of these were due to any action by this new Labour administration. No doubt there were many things that the last administration could have done better, but come on New Labour, be fair and give credit where it is due - or is Labour Lambeth now just like the Labour government - unable to resist the temptation to pump out political spin and take credit for anything good that happens, whether justified or not, and blaming any failings on someone else.
From: Cllr Clare Whelan (Thurlow Park Ward Conservative Councillor & Spokesperson on Environment & Culture)
To: The Editor, South London Press
Published: Friday 4th August 2006
CLICK HERE to read Cllr John Whelan's weblog entry on this issue >>
This issue in the news
Books fund is slashed - South London Press, Friday 14th July 2006 [PDF]
Give credit where due - South London Press, Friday 4th August 2006 [PDF]
Contact us about this issue...
