Last night saw the very last full Medway Council meeting of the current term, before Medway votes in local elections next week. It was a long, rollercoaster of a meeting, with moments of cross-party unity, and also some of the more vicious exchanges we’ve seen in a while. If you didn’t feel like coming along to the St. George’s Centre for all six hours of proceedings, we’ve got you covered here with the highlights from our live tweeting last night.
We’re here at Full #MedwayCouncil where we’re expecting a big turnout as many, many cab drivers are turning up with regards to the Uber motion. So it’s probably going to be a lively. Strap in. Tweeting from 7pm. pic.twitter.com/i9kPfo6zSq
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
It’s time for #FullCouncilBingo #Prizes
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Row: A Signed business Card
Corners: #NotEds Signed #MedwayDebates19 notes
Full House: A Signed tote bag! pic.twitter.com/qypF6D7MN3
..and we’re off. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/3ECcHqooRN
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Full Council in 2019, starts with prayer #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
More than 40 Cllrs Turn Up #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We have apologies for absence from Cllr Hall (Con) and.. that's it. Cllr Franklin and Cllr Craven (both Ind) also not here. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Tonight’s #FullCouncil meeting has started. To see what’s on the agenda, including public questions, visit – https://t.co/yL0HIlQJVa pic.twitter.com/OOSxwTcVZ7
— Medway Council (@medway_council) April 25, 2019
Cllr @Rehman_Chishti says he can't take part in the debate on Uber/taxis lately as he has families who are taxi drivers. Says he understands the concerns of taxi drivers and will take up their issue in parliament though. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
And so starts the final meeting of @medway_council before #MedwayElection19 next week! pic.twitter.com/WP3mZt8hVb
— Medway Conservatives (@MedwayTories) April 25, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple is now requesting that motions on Uber/taxis and climate change to earlier in the proceedings, the first because there are so many here for it, the second because there are children here for it. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett indicates his group wills support moving both motions forward. Climate change motion will come after public questions, Uber/taxi motion after councillor questions. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett now clarifying what he knew about Cllr Franklin's offensive tweeting, and how he claimed he only knew of it this year as opposed to in 2016. Seems to be saying he and @Andrew__Kennedy released statement to this effect without checking the facts. Odd. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Public petitions now. First one from local taxi drivers, which is unsurprisingly about Uber. Second is a road safety petition from Labour candidate John Strevens. Third is against change of use for Russell House from @HowcroftJoanne. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Final public petition from @MrTonyScudder on parking in Brompton. Classic election fare. @CllrMurray has a petition on traffic in Rochester Avenue. Cllr Griffiths has a petition about protecting Beechings field from travellers. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Wildey has a petition on protecting Capstone Valley, and now we're onto public questions. 22 questions in 30 minutes. Good luck. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
First question is from Conservative candidate in Twydall. Cllr Gulvin replies that some design solutions are being looked at. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/lGyLKbXYjl
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Next question is this deeply probing question from @MedwayTories Luton and Wayfield candidate @AlexMcDermott84. Cllr Gulvin replies that works in Chatham are nearly complete. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/5yvPOQ7cio
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Now it's a question on allotments so who really cares? #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Hands up who was at the Midnight screening of #AvengersEndgame last night and is at #FullCouncil til midnight tonight! #NotEd
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Next up is @MedwayLabour Luton & Wayfield candidate @HowcroftJoanne on Russell House again. Cllr Gulvin reply gives a bit of a roundabout answer that doesn't say very much about the main issue. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/iBI3UCzx3c
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Tried a new angle with the hopes of getting better audio. Didn't work.
— Medway Labour (@MedwayLabour) April 25, 2019
Medway Council badly needs a proper streaming service. https://t.co/5shtPnrlG5
First Uber of the night from @MedwayLabour Chatham Central candidate @sijuwadeade. Cllr Chitty says she can appreciate frustration but suggests Uber are not operating illegally in Medway and little officers can do to stop it. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/wgdgUl3teQ
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Buses now with this from @MedwayLabour Luton and Wayfield candidate Simon Curry. Cllr Filmer says buses would become less reliable and less comfortable. Here speaks a man who did not suffer through an Arriva journey last week. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/Ukvc3fjkZB
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
More bus content from @MedwayLabour River candidate @LiaMandaracas. Cllr Filmer says screens are always on but to contact him if anyone has a problem. As you do. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/lvKkLMdiRS
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
More classic election gripes as we hit litter from @MedwayLabour Strood North candidate @RedBraithwaite. Cllr Filmer replies level of cleaning hasn't changed. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/nzvsCTvLSJ
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Next up is.. a @MedwayLabour candidate! Zoe Van Dyke from Strood North asks about Medway City Estate traffic. Cllr Filmer replies a plan is in place to improve road network but needs to tie in with wider improvements on network. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/PYZhB69E3z
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Next up is @MedwayLabour Rochester West candidate Elaine Thomas on Rochester High Street. Cllr Chitty says high streets are changing but vacancy rate in Rochester is below national average. Talks about wider investment in the town. Town. Because it's not a city. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/eA1DPTxRhN
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
No sexual tension yet #FullCouncilBingo awkward or otherwise. But @DemocracyDean is here so there’s still time.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Next up is @MedwayLabour Strood South candidate @AnthonyMMHill on vacant properties. Cllr Doe replies that #MedwayCouncil is doing work on this, but mostly talks about building new homes and support for homeless people. pic.twitter.com/7zAIUyvrRt
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Final question is this from @MedwayTories Luton and Wayfield candidate @RobbieLammas about, well, Luton. Cllr Jarrett says positive proposals came out of a meeting with @ArchesLocal then goes on an election spiel. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/cygppGhkOd
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Seven questions, including those from @MrAWJLawrence, @Harinder__Singh, @frederickchespy, @garcha2007_r, @jordanhartley89 will not be answered tonight, and will receive written answers instead. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Maple talking about 10 minutes that he and Cllr Jarrett agreed! Almost but not quite #AwkwardSexualTension #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Members of the public have asked their questions, which were responded to by the relevant portfolio holders. Next up at #FullCouncil is Motion D ‘Declaring a Climate Emergency’ – see item 14 – https://t.co/yL0HIlQJVa
— Medway Council (@medway_council) April 25, 2019
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Following the change in the running order, we are now starting to debate Cllr @vincemaple's motion to declare a climate emergency. Says Maidstone Council recently passed a similar motion. #MedwayCouncil. pic.twitter.com/w3ztGNe8Uq
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Joy seconds the motion from Cllr @vincemaple, which suggests this might actually receive cross party support. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Both Cllr @vincemaple and Cllr @ClivJoh have both brought up the survival of the human race, so it's a nice and light discussion at tonight's #MedwayCouncil.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
It would be the best thing the Council has done for a long time…fingers crossed… https://t.co/PwPTh9lnkN
— Medway Green Party (@medwaygreens) April 25, 2019
I hope this motion passes. #ClimateEmergency https://t.co/3XgyoDFmk1
— Thomas Baldock (@thomasb8899) April 25, 2019
Cllr Freshwater (UKIP) interjects to say following the previous speeches he will not take his amendment forward, but we have have seen no such amendment anyway so it pretty much means nothing. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Deputy Leader of #MedwayCouncil speaks strongly in favour of the motion. Cllr Gulvin now joining in to support it too. An unusual display for proper cross-party unity of this motion. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Climate emergency motion is passed unanimously. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Fantastic news! Well done @medway_council. https://t.co/nsWkZmjBXZ
— Thomas Baldock (@thomasb8899) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett just referenced #FullCouncilBingo !!!
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
“A Note from a decade ago that said ‘we have no money’” #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett accuses @MedwayLabour of having lies in their manifesto. @CllrMurray calls for an apology. Cllr Jarrett responds by refusing and calling her Cllr Mrs Murray because that's apparently a thing still. Looks like cross-party unity is over. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Brilliant news but now the work really needs to start… https://t.co/gYShtxhkoJ
— Medway Green Party (@medwaygreens) April 25, 2019
Some of the @MedwayLabour candidates in the public gallery are getting a little rowdy about Cllr Jarrett's list of achievements he claims his administration has delivered. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
There's a lot of party politics at this meeting… and we're only 85 minutes in. Nothing overly new though, it has to be said. #LDReporter
— Dean Kilpatrick (@DemocracyDean) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett concludes with his #MedwayElects19 manifesto spiel. Cllr @vincemaple says next week is the "time for change", says a lot of voters on doorstep will vote on the basis of Theresa May. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr @Rehman_Chishti gets up to talk about this being his "final #MedwayCouncil meeting after 16 years" and receives a delighted cheer from @MedwayLabour benches and from part of the audience. Says politics should not become personal, somehow ends up on stroke services.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Franklin gets mentioned by @cllrtrisosborne, who says he's happy action has finally been taking against him as he doesn't want racism in his ward. Good to know. Now talking about the state of parts of Medway. Potholes! High Streets! Traffic! It's all here! #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Doe gets up and says he thinks "@cllrtrisosborne lives in a world of his own". Phew, glad someone finally said it. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Mackness is on what could be his final #MedwayCouncil rant, accuses @cllrtrisosborne of talking "utter claptrap". Strong words.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Mackness going out making friends. Not a part of #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Everyone is weighing in now. Cllr Andrew Mackness (Con) making yet another farewell speech to Labour councillors – safe to say it's getting a warm reception. #LDReporter
— Dean Kilpatrick (@DemocracyDean) April 25, 2019
Cllr @gloriaopara says she has never heard a criticism of this administration from residents. Quite the claim. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple has picked now to have a read of the @MedwayLabour manifesto. Still arguments going on over Cllr Jarrett accusing @MedwayLabour of lying. Now @CllrMurray accuses Cllr Jarrett is lying. Punchy. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/tHBtKlvso3
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
#JudicialReview and #AwkwardSexualTension is ticked off #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
#FullCouncil is now on agenda item 9, Report on Overview and Scrutiny Activity, which summarises the work of the overview and scrutiny committees since the last report to council on 25 Jan. View the report – https://t.co/kdbxFMRXbh
— Medway Council (@medway_council) April 25, 2019
Have noticed Medway Council’s senior officers now talk to each other at meetings like professional footballers do on the pitch. #LDReporter pic.twitter.com/H9kNysS0KH
— Dean Kilpatrick (@DemocracyDean) April 25, 2019
The cab drivers at the back are unnecessarily talking throughout this meeting. It's a bit like being in their cabs. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
As if he's following our tweets, Mayor @SteveIles asks the public gallery to keep it down a bit. It's effective for approximately 30 seconds. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're onto councillor questions, starting with this from Cllr @ClivJoh. Cllr Mackness replies that the situation is disappointing, but says there is a clear plan to meet SEN requirements across Medway. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/FwM5CPoJmz
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Corporate credit cards next from @cllrtrisosborne. Cllr Jarrett reassures us all that use of them is responsible and the cards only represent 0.06% of #MedwayCouncil expenditure. pic.twitter.com/COaUYZYF8i
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Question on where the parking money is going. Cllr Jarrett says the money is being spent on roads. No further detail offered. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/C8Z259jUDF
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Next up is this from @CllrDanMcD on period poverty. Cllr Brake seems to just saying it wasn't much of an issue, but welcomes the support from central government. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/gHi39K9TE7
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Right on cue, we get to Cllr @vincemaple's Uber question. Cllr Chitty reassures us that we definitely want to be part of Medway and not London. Would like to see some polling on that actually. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/mBjPWIvDG1
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're now moving to the Uber motion. Cllr @Rehman_Chishti gets up to leave but thanks the cab drivers for waiting in a 'respectful manner'. Respectfully talking throughout at the back. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/1Ae22mJaRz
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Coming up on three hours in, starting to get a bit hungry. Will Uber Eats deliver to here? #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Forget everything else @CllrDanMcD says ‘Uber’ amazingly. #FullCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Apparently 184 Uber drivers were counted in Medway over a couple of days. 184! Apparently they can't exit Rochester station properly. Because cab drivers do. Every single time. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Some argument over who is seconding the motion. @CllrMurray seems to win, but Cllr Chitty wants to as well. Guess this is getting cross-party support then. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
It's shocking that Uber would be around when all of the cab drivers are here. #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/MzCiVWYnjh
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett says #MedwayCouncil will support the motion, and spend the money to seek independent legal advice on Uber in Medway. Fun times. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
"Medway taxis for Medway people", proclaims Cllr Bowler. Everyone falling over themselves to support the local cab drivers. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Lots of hot takes about Uber from people who have never used Uber this evening. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
The Uber motion has been unanimously agreed. All of the cab drivers are now leaving. So is Cllr @AC4Twydall. Unconfirmed if she's getting an Uber. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Question as to whether or not we'll be removed for item. Looks like we're getting to stay for now, but could be removed depending on how the discussion goes. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/U8kmbIUuM0
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Spending up to £9m on a new waste depot as a last minute decision is "a bitter pill to swallow", says @CllrAndyStamp. Says there is no option but to approve it though. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Three and a half hours down. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/mq6xoHqt52
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
For those following at home, we're still talking about waste. There's not even highlights to tweet. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Well done to @MedwayLabour and especially @VinceMaple! It's time local government recognise its ability to lead badly needed change. https://t.co/7JJPVHqUEp
— ChaoticCosmos (@MinadaRui) April 25, 2019
In an unusual move, it's @MedwayTories call for a recorded vote on the waste depot purchase. Slightly odd as both them and @MedwayLabour are in favour. Only Cllr Freshwater (UKIP) opposes. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're now onto this item about the regeneration of Strood Waterfront. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/XmDTldUoDG
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
An amendment is being put forward by @MedwayLabour on the Strood Waterfront item because they don't want to ever let us go home. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Here’s that @MedwayLabour in full. Cllr R Chambers argues it’s out of order as it’s not relevant. We’re now having an argument about that. No one really knows what’s going on. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/T49JBP8Dt5
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Monitoring officer gives advice that the @MedwayLabour amendment isn't valid. Cllr @vincemaple demands a vote on it. Cllr Jarrett says "why would we"? Cllr @Rehman_Chishti argues we should just move on. Cllr Griffiths now citing precedent, says should vote first. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
To be fair to the councillor, it's great to see a Tory councillor acknowledge that they are so disconnected from their electorate they have simply failed to hear constituents' plights and needs. https://t.co/bE4egXvDKW
— ChaoticCosmos (@MinadaRui) April 25, 2019
The Strood Waterfront item is agreed. @MedwayTories support, @MedwayLabour and Cllr Freshwater abstain. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're now on this. It'll get cross-party support. Let's all just move on. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/pUdGu2IMp7
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're now onto motions! Only four to get through and then we'll be done! First one is this swan song from Cllr @Rehman_Chishti. He indicates he will have cross-party support. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/vzJUEWVJ2D
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett has just spent a few minutes standing behind the @MedwayLabour group. Surveying the view from the opposition side of the room? #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/cBkKpimgdV
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple and Cllr @naushabahkhan are both speaking in favour of Cllr @Rehman_Chishti's motion. Cllr Joy talks about being involved in the faith community in Twydall for the last six months.. which gets a chuckle as someone asks why that is. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr @Rehman_Chishti says that "what we have seen now is the best of politics", thanks opposition members for supporting. Motion agreed. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Three motions left! Next up is this on food justice from Cllr @ajpaterson. Can't see it getting the same kind of cross-party support that previous motions have tonight. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/bOZ47xLdeI
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
In a shock twist, @MedwayTories are moving an amendment to the food justice motion. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Here’s that amendment in full. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/AyR1Qmcoyi
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple demands Cllr Brake withdraws his amendment in a very animated manner. Cllr Brakes says "absolutely not". #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Thank you to councillors from all Political parties on @medway_council in supporting my motion supporting faith communities. A unanimous decision thank you. https://t.co/l7ePMt93nE
— Rehman Chishti (@Rehman_Chishti) April 25, 2019
Cllr @ajpaterson is, to put it mildly, not happy about the amendment. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Recorded vote on the amendment. @MedwayTories vote in favour, @MedwayLabour and Cllr Freshwater oppose. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're now onto this motion. Several councillors having to leave – including the Mayor! Deputy Mayor @HabibTejan will chair this discussion. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/23xSqJsO2E
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Shockingly, @MedwayLabour are circulating an amendment! Hooray! #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Here’s that @MedwayLabour amendment. Cllr Jarrett suggests it negates the original motion and thus isn’t valid. Monitoring officer suggests that it is valid. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/OtRaO69i0M
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Five hours in. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/czWmnWYXMI
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Mackness is not a fan of the @MedwayLabour amendment. Says they don't support grammar schools, attacks Cllr @ajpaterson about "his role in Westminster", which does not go over well. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Full Continues past Midnight! #FullCouncilBingo
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple argues the @MedwayLabour amendment is about supporting students in all types of schools in Medway. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Shockingly, @MedwayLabour's amendment has been voted down. The original motion is now going to a recorded vote. That @MedwayTories will obviously win and then we can all get on with our lives. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
We're onto the final motion of the evening, this cracking piece of electoral posturing from Cllr Jarrett. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/08HnUOYRO1
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Before we get to that, Cllr D Chambers wants to make a point about "reprehensible behaviour" in the chamber tonight. No one really reacts so on we go. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett is now going through @MedwayLabour's manifesto. Raises spectre of closing Medway Tunnel. Says no costings for free bus travel for young people. Says cost of bus company would be £20m/year. Keeps calling @CllrMurray 'Cllr Mrs Murray' as usual. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Freshwater is putting forward an amendment. Cllr @Rehman_Chishti points out it needs a seconder, and as there is no other UKIP member, that could be a challenge. Brilliant night for fans of #MedwayCouncil constitutional procedure.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
What an amendment from Cllr Freshwater who wants to turn the motion into some kind of UKIP manifesto. Cracking. Can’t wait to see if any other councillors want to support this. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/ivG9ESH2FH
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
The best part of this is that Cllr Freshwater is insisting on reading his 'amendment' in full. We are never leaving this place. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Freshwater says he doesn't expect it to be seconded, discussed, or accepted. Unsurprisingly, he's right. Moving on. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Freshwater. He tried. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/ricDnRq0V9
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Interestingly @MedwayLabour don't seem to be offering any response to Cllr Jarrett's motion, and are letting each @MedwayTories member speak one after the other. Where are they going with this? #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Finally Cllr @vincemaple speaks! He's – wait for it – moving an amendment! #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
The rest of the @MedwayLabour amendment. Six pages! #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/PG74HSWeUw
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Six hours in and the independent councillors might have been the most sensible out of all of us. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/5XH7tcWv9l
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Personal opinion: I'm not entirely sure who this debate is for. #LDReporter
— Dean Kilpatrick (@DemocracyDean) April 25, 2019
Cllr Griffiths wants to put this to the vote because it's "1am and some of us have jobs to go to". And we do! Shockingly, @MedwayTories vote it down. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
The @MedwayLabour are getting up and leaving, but Cllr @Rehman_Chishti wants to make a point about supporting the armed forces. Now. At 1am, for some reason. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett wants to use his final say on his original motion, even though @MedwayLabour are getting up and leaving. Shambolic end to this #MedwayCouncil term.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 25, 2019
Cllr Jarrett suggests @MedwayLabour wants more women in the cabinet so they can bully them. Remarkable claim. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 26, 2019
The motion is agreed, and we're done at 1.02am, so over six hours of #MedwayCouncil. Next one will have a new lineup of councillors in a few weeks.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 26, 2019
And we end #FullCouncilBingo with an enthusiastic goodbye from Cllr @Rehman_Chishti MP. Denying two rows.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 26, 2019
Goodby Rehman it’s like we hardly knew you.
Ending the night on a high in McDonalds where @stevenkeevil made the mistake of telling them he didn’t want a sesame bun. pic.twitter.com/DKGR8QN2Jw
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) April 26, 2019