Do we want a maverick mayor? (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Do we want a maverick mayor?

8:51am Friday 5th February 2010

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Sir.– I have been watching with interest the developments in Councillor Phil Heath’s demise since he was expelled from the Conservatives in 2008.We watch him and his wife set up a new party which does not appear to have been overwhelming in its impact on the town, and now colleagues and officers appear to be making complaints about his behaviour, or conduct. Cllr Heath maintains there is a hidden agenda as his ex-Tory colleagues do not want him to be mayor. In my experience, Cllr Heath has always been a maverick and has shot from the hip, and when I had dealings with him I had to question his understanding of the facts.

However, that pales into insignificance really. The point must be that this councillor has a reputation and he often seems to shoot first and ask questions later, and in doing so may upset or offend.What bothers me is whether Basingstoke really needs someone like that to be our first citizen, our most high-ranking officer, who represents us locally, nationally and internationally.

Perhaps, if Cllr Heath wishes to maintain the style to which he has become accustomed, and continue to be extensively outspoken, then he should graciously decline and allow the next longest serving councillor to take on the role.

Maybe we should consider electing our mayor as is the case elsewhere, and judging by the performance of Cllr Heath’s party’s performance at the recent council by-election, it is unlikely he would be successful.

–Nigel Pierce, Oakley

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