Lib Dem councillors walked out of the meeting of the Full Council last night in Haringey in disgust over what they are calling “dirty tricks” and a “whitewash”. Labour used procedural means to prevent a vote of no-confidence in failing Housing leader Councillor Diakedes.

Councillors had hoped to hold Councillor Diakedes to account following the publication of a damning report by the Audit Commission into the failings of Haringey’s housing service. Mayor Adamou refused to accept that Lib Dems had the right to a no-confidence vote, and allowed Labour to completely delete the text of the Lib Dem motion.

There was the hope that some Labour members, concerned over the serious and ongoing problems in the Housing Service, would have voted with the Liberal Democrats.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition Councillor Neil Williams comments:

“The Council’s constitution has been abused. I am writing to the Mayor to complain in the strongest terms.

“Councillor Diakedes has been shown very clearly to have failed in his role. How can we have confidence in his ability to put right these serious failings? Not only are people angry that their places on the housing register are in question, but £228 million of investment is at stake in April – how are we to believe that he is competent to secure this? Once again Labour refuse to take any responsibility for their negligence.”

Councillor Catherine Harris, Lib Dem Housing Spokesperson, comments:

“The evening was a total sham. Labour have closed ranks to protect Councillor Diakedes, when they should have had the courage to admit that he is not capable of doing the job. We are talking about the Housing Service of Haringey Council here – real issues affecting real people’s lives. This represents about a quarter of the Council’s entire budget. How can he refuse to take responsibility?”