AELFRIC asks whether I agree that with the chief executive that his report should "draw a line" under the Blobby affair.

Two weeks ago he attributed this quotation to the leader of the council and I answered it then.

Perhaps, Aelfric should decide what his question is before accusing me of not answering.

However, for the sake of clarity, I will repeat the point. The District Auditor is investigating. He has extensive powers and is independent of officers and councillors. Until he reports and the council acts on his recommendations the matter cannot be closed. Neither I, nor Councillor Henig, nor any of my colleagues is seeking to close the book by anticipating what those recommendations will be. In this we differ from Aelfric who wants disciplinary action in advance of the report.

Like the Queen of Hearts, Aelfric goes round shouting "Off with their heads" at every opportunity. No doubt this makes him feel better. That doesn't make it a sensible or just way for the council to proceed in what is a complex and convoluted affair.

Perhaps Aelfric hopes to hide the fact that Councillor Heath, whom he set out to defend, has still not explained the contradictions in her position over the Blobby side letter. I do not, for one minute, seek to lay the blame for the Crinkley Bottom debacle at her door, but her silence on this matter, while she seeks to gain political advantage from the affair, speaks volumes.

Ian Barker

Deputy leader

City council

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