Last night saw the 2019 Medway Council budget meeting. If you weren’t one of the handful of members of public in the gallery, you might have missed out on all of the exciting local politics action like us all being kicked out of the meeting. Here, thanks to the power of embedded tweets, we bring you the highlights of last night’s live Twitter coverage of proceedings.
This Thursday its #MedwayCouncil meeting which means its the time for the return of #FullCouncilBingo Stay tuned for rules and confirmed prizes pic.twitter.com/7w7jiQJLIf
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 18, 2019
We're here at full #MedwayCouncil for #MedwayBudgetSmackdownapalooza19. Live tweeting kicks off at 7pm!
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Freshwater is here, despite claiming that he would no longer attend #MedwayCouncil meetings at the last meeting. pic.twitter.com/Mg9SWsvClL
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
#FullCouncilBingo Full Council in 2019 has indeed started with a prayer
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Remember to follow #FullCouncilBingo to keep up to date.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Also there might be a budget,
We have apologies for absence for @AC4Twydall, @mickpendergast, @mikefra74161391 (all Ind), as well as Cllrs Gulvin, @JohnStroodRural, @Rehman_Chishti (all Con). #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Time limits for discussion of the full budget have been lifted, so we'll get to hear what everyone thinks at great length. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Superb opening snack gambit from @CllrStuartT. Your move, @MedwayLabour. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/56CGZcNlE2
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
I came prepared, hmu! pic.twitter.com/DA0u9RmIgX
— Lia Mandaracas (@LiaMandaracas) February 21, 2019
Sitting next to the brains behind @MedwayPolitics this will certainly be entertaining meeting with their bingo chart. One down already #ldreporter pic.twitter.com/pqccdYcUxY
— Caitlin Webb (@WriterCaits) February 21, 2019
We are sad to report that Cllr @Rehman_Chishti MP has not attended. Therefore you can not get either four corners or full house.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Yes he has ruined #FullCouncilBingo for you.
We're delighted to see people taking this shit so seriously. https://t.co/JrQQG2Rdp6
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
for those accusing Jennings of being a part of @MedwayLabour He is responsible once again for their live feed. in an independent and unbiased way
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
It genuinely is.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Chitty making a slightly bizarre argument that the housing target for Medway is too high given #MedwayCouncil have failed to deliver their targets previously.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Satire! Satire! You wound us. https://t.co/Hdd5E86Li6
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Satire! Satire! You honour us. https://t.co/32Ax22s86i
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
First round of applause of the night from @MedwayLabour candidates in the gallery. #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/zlZytPLVQO
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Oh god, Cllr Bowler refers to Cllr Chitty as "Cllr Mrs Chitty". Councillors can be any gender. You don't need to add a Mrs for a female one, Nick. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
#BREXIT !!!!!! #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
The Council Plan Refresh has now been agreed. Strap in, we're now onto Treasury Management Strategy 2019/20. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Talking about how our credit rating has been decreased, @cllrtrisosborne raises concerns about it being more at risk as we approach "Brexit exit date". Yes, British exit exit date. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
— Medway Conservatives (@MedwayTories) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarret references Cllr Maple. but doesnt accuse him of talking Medway down #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple has had to withdraw from the Pentagon debate as he is the chair of Medway Credit Union, who are based in the building. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Talking about the Pentagon sale, @CllrAndyStamp claims that #MedwayCouncil do not have a good record of managing town centres, but still says that @MedwayLabour will support purchase as a "long term investment".
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Woah. @CllrAndyStamp has gone rogue, talking well beyond his time to the point where his microphone is switched off. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Or in other words: https://t.co/Y0vKCjCySX
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
For those wondering what somebody saying “Cllr Stamp” twice in shorthand would look like. Thanks to @WriterCaits #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/R68GITTxen
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
An amendment on the Pentagon purchase is being tabled by @MedwayLabour. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/LXV9SDpUK3
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Freshwater, who promised to no longer attend #MedwayCouncil meetings last month, is now asking questions at this #MedwayCouncil meeting.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
It has not been a big night for #AwkwardSexualTension at #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Clearly @MedwayTories are not going to support the @MedwayLabour amendment so we're all just wasting our time now. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/xiy1Y4WkfG
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Moving ahead with the purchase of the Pentagon without obtaining more vaiuations is "careless", says @CllrAndyStamp. Says #MedwayCouncil's own policy even dictates that several valuations should be obtained.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
We're now holding a recorded vote on @CllrAndyStamp's amendment. @MedwayLabour, Cllr Craven, Cllr Freshwater for, @MedwayTories against. Amendment is lost. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Council currently discussing huge potential investment in centre of Chatham. Worth also noting largest investment this administration has made: the allocating over £121,000,000 to new housing in Chatham and Rainham on 26th April 2018 which (wait for it) Labour voted against…
— Medway Conservatives (@MedwayTories) February 21, 2019
Cllr R Chambers "cannot believe" that @MedwayLabour are accusing #MedwayCouncil of forgetting Gillingham High Street. Cites investments around station and Medway Park.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett asks if amendment is even valid as it seems to have no connection to item under discussion. Animated conversation between officers to decide. Legal officer says it is valid "if a little tangential". #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Murray insists "Gillingham High Street needs an injection and needs it fast". Injections around Gillingham High Street probably aren't hard come by tbh. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
We are now arguing about which child we love the most when we don't have to choose.
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 21, 2019
Cllr Joy refers to Cllr Murray as Mrs Murray. Why does this keep happening? Why? #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Very evident that @MedwayTories never visit #gillinghamhighstreet– apparently millions of pounds invested in #medwaypark & #gillinghamtrainstation – we should just shut up @GRLabour @MedwayLabour @CllrDanMcD @CllrAndyStamp @PatCoop91879588 @AdamNthgill @ClivJoh
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 21, 2019
We are wasting council time and should just move to a vote, interjects @CllrStuartT. Punchy. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
#AwkwardSexualTension alert at #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
This is gruelling. We're now into a protracted debate about whether or not funding bids could be put in for Chatham and Gillingham at same time. Cllr R Chambers say they will be. Cllr Murray says she's not satisfied. Most of the room wants to die. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
The amendment has been voted down, following 15 minutes of entirely uneccessary discussion. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Murray is now proposing a new amendment that the legal officer thinks should be discussed privately, so we are now being removed from the meeting. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Pretty absurd situation as we’re all huddled outside while the latest @MedwayLabour amendment is discussed. Pretty ridiculous scenes. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Greetings from the #KickedOut of #MedwayCoucil crew. pic.twitter.com/WgRhdHD4GP
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
And we’re back! #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/g24HXDMK41
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Brake says he has "lost count" of the number of amendments on this item. It was 3. Reassuring to know such numbers are troubling during a budget meeting. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
We are now nearly two and a half hours into this budget meeting and we have not even started discussing the budget yet. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Freshwater is again speaking at this meeting he said he wouldn't take part in. He's very angry about a lack of new housing. During a debate about the Pentagon. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Current state of play. #FullCouncilBingo pic.twitter.com/W7XGDh580C
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Unconfirmed rumours (that we're starting) that the third @MedwayLabour amendment on the Pentagon that we were kicked out for apparently called for the nuking of the Pentagon from space. Shocking. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @TurpinRupert helpfully points out that if you go through Chatham High Street you can see "concrete, buildings.." Good to know. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
The #AwkwardSexualTension according to @WriterCaits is off the charts #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett launches an attack on @CllrAndyStamp in his summing up. Cllr Murray demands he withdraw it, Cllr Jarrett says he will not do that. Cool cool. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Over two and a half hours into this #MedwayCouncil budget meeting, we are finally beginning our debate on the budget. Cllr Jarrett introducing proposals for the coming year.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarret refers to a note about not having money… #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
BINGO!!! #FullCouncilBingo #ldreporter pic.twitter.com/rQbkCOlpNg
— Caitlin Webb (@WriterCaits) February 21, 2019
For some reason no one understands Cllr D Chambers just referred to Cllr @naushabahkhan as Mrs Khan. Why does this keep happening? No councillors ever referred to as Mr. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Indeed! funnily I have no desire to be defined by my marital status (and it’s not the correct one either) #patriarchy #everydaysexism https://t.co/iGzoliGoJM
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 21, 2019
Many years go, I was Cllr Patience. So my wife was also called Cllr Patience, because she wasn't some kind of appendage of me.
— Jon Patience (@smoulderstoat) February 21, 2019
#MedwayCouncil tax will increase by 2.994% this year, the lowest in the last few years. Entirely coincidentally, it's an election year!
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Also entirely coincidental. https://t.co/CDLA0A6VR6
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett says that Cllr @vincemaple will "turn up to the opening on a fridge". Not sure what the problem is if it's full of tasty snacks tbh. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett continues to talk about Cllr Maple. But whilst he highlights how he has voted against Medway. He hasnt accused him of talking Medway down. #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
The impressive thing about Cllr Jarrett's budget speech is that he seems to be doing a highlights package from his latest Voice of the Leader column. https://t.co/gOnUWyx8gI #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett now talking @castleconcerts, blaming the acts that were selected last year. Yeah, take that Jools Holland, UB40, and Ronan Keating. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Sorry, true. Jools Holland, UB40, and Ronan Keating were only part of the problem. #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/OyGCSqWtu5
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
After speaking for half hour, Cllr Jarrett says he will "now get down to setting out what his administration will do for Medway". Not sure what he was doing up until now. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett says he is aware most development projects are in the western part of Medway but officers are working up plans for the east. Exciting. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Car parking charges frozen until 2021! #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/PYk0FYC6oo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
New funding for a proposed gaming festival. Which should be a laugh. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Just a few last minute tiny additions to the budget this year. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/cfDfSY9cD8
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett concludes his budget speech after a mere 46 minutes. A short one this year. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple is now beginning his #MedwayCouncil budget speech. He's starting with a memory of 2002 so we could be here for a while.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple highlighting how @MedwayTories did absolutely nothing about Cllr Franklin's offensive tweeting for three years. More info: https://t.co/3fSOYIhqqr #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple calls out Cllr Jarrett for his statement in this article, and requests that the legal officer consider if any further action required against Cllr Franklin and if Cllr Jarrett has acted with honesty and integrity over this. https://t.co/3fSOYIhqqr
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple’s full letter to #MedwayCouncil legal officer questioning whether or not Cllr Jarrett has acted properly over the Cllr Franklin debacle. pic.twitter.com/aAUIC1o4vz
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple tells voters on the Hoo peninsula that @MedwayLabour are on their side, and that they have been let down by the Tories, UKIP, and "the UKIP tribute act". #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple doing a greatest hits routine from the last few months, challenging Cllr Gulvin not knowing he ran the CCTV brief and now highlighting problems with MCG. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Good to see @MedwayLabour come prepared with graphics for this speech. #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/NRY6Sr3Y0Y
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple says @MedwayLabour will be proposing some amendments to the budget at the end of his speech. Which will definitely pass. Obviously. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple's first proposal is abolishing #MedwayCouncil's Medway Matters propaganda magazine.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple proposes that money saved from Medway Matters be spent on the rent of Medway Food Bank, a grant for the Red Box project, and an increase in ward improvement funds. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple also proposes scrapping bulky waste charge, and will allow residents to suggest ideas to make the local area better. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Hall becomes the first councillor to get up and leave, just before the proper budget debate gets underway. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple wraps up his budget speech in a pretty swift 36 minutes. Now, four hours into this meeting, the majority of councillors can begin to debate the budget. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
This is Cllr @vincemaple’s budget amendment. Cllr Jarrett suggesting it’s not valid as not costed. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/pYfD3mDzS6
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Jarrett is insistent that Cllr @vincemaple's amendment is out of order because it isn't costed. Cllr Murray insists @MedwayLabour don't have figures because they don't have access. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
#MedwayCouncil legal officer rules that Cllr @vincemaple's amendment is in order. Cllr Jarrett demands an opinion from a second officer, who also suggest amendment is in order. Scenes. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Etheridge now talking about the MPs that left the Labour party this week because that's totally relevant. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Crikey. Cllr @ajpaterson highlights that Cllr Jarrett's @MedwayPolitics column provided a preview of his budget speech. It turns out he isn't a fan. Now highlighting the three year lack of action over Cllr Franklin. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
It's 11.20pm and we currently debating an amendment to the #MedwayCouncil budget. We haven't even got to debating the budget proper yet.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
The public gallery war of attrition has seen it get down to 7 people. 6 of whom do appear to be awake. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
If you are still playing #FullCouncilBingo rest assured we are hours away from the end. Still two squares to go
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
We're now voting on Cllr @vincemaple's amendment. @MedwayLabour, Cllr Craven, Cllr Freshwater support, @MedwayTories oppose. Amendment falls. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
We can now, four and a half hours in, begin debating the budget properly. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr @naushabahkhan raises issue of Cllr D Chambers addressing her as Mrs instead of Cllr and challenges Cllr Jarrett on his statements about their recent radio interview. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Oh good, @cllrtrisosborne has brought a fucking TED talk with him. #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/oui95Qqk0D
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
The usual whirlwind @cllrtrisosborne speech is underway as he burns through every #MedwayCouncil budget issue he's raised over every previous year.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Nearly 5 hours after it started, the meeting’s still going on. To be fair, it only feels like 4. I’m impressed at these councillors many of whom have day jobs
— Caroline Williams (@C_WilliamsNews) February 21, 2019
The Mayor is hurrying things along and starts to move us toward the end of the #MedwayCouncil budget vote. Presumably he's got an early engagement tomorrow.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
Cllr Freshwater made an interjection about a railway station for some reason. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 21, 2019
We begin the recorded vote for #MedwayCouncil budget. There's some confusion so we have to start over again. @MedwayLabour, Cllr Craven, Cllr Freshwater oppose budget, @MedwayTories support. Budget passes.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
Now the main budget debate is over, we now only have these things on the agenda. And we're now at the point where this meeting began yesterday. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/1UXdhQ0lco
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
This is quite the hot take. https://t.co/oqCHInyBW3
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
Full Council has discussed the report on capital and revenue budgets 2019/20. The recommendations have been approved following a recorded vote. View the report – https://t.co/Lsyld7TT8k
— Medway Council (@medway_council) February 22, 2019
Cllr @naushabahkhan raises issues of gender pay gap in Medway along with wider #MedwayCouncil pay issues in response to the Pay Policy Statement.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
Pay Policy Statement has been agreed. Now onto the Electoral Arrangements Review! #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
Cllr @TurpinRupert says he looks forward to hearing if the people of Medway want more politicians. We all know the answer to that! #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
Last item! #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/LnwILz6KSM
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019
..and we're done after a mere 5 hours and 13 minutes! #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) February 22, 2019