Minority councillors in Greenwich have called for “common sense” after the Labour majority secured all 22 committee chairs at the annual council meeting on May 27. The Labour group argued that minority members could still participate on all committees and that the majority of residents voted for Labour to lead the borough.
Annual Meeting Sparks Discontent
Typically a ceremonial affair, the annual meeting became a battleground when Labour moved to fill every committee chair with its own members. Opposition Green Party leader Tamasin Rhymes proposed an amendment, seconded by Conservative leader Matt Hartley, seeking four Green and two Conservative chairs. The amendment failed.
Cllr Rhymes stated: “We note the attempt to create balance across the council, but we feel it's necessary to look at balance in scrutiny panel chairs. Across London, councils appoint opposition chairs to scrutiny panels in proportion to ensure effective scrutiny.”
Council Composition
Following the May election, Greenwich Council comprises 35 Labour councillors (63.64%), 13 Greens (23.64%), six Conservatives (10.91%), and one Reform councillor (1.82%).
Council leader Anthony Okereke expressed surprise at the amendment, saying every member will sit on a scrutiny panel and participate. He added: “The majority of residents voted for us to make Greenwich the place to be. We are committed to serving in scrutiny roles and welcome everyone to participate.”
Deputy Green Leader's Proposal
Newly elected deputy Green leader Stewart Christie proposed an amendment from the floor for another Green member on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for “political balance.” On the nine-seat committee, Labour holds seven seats, with one each for the Conservatives and Greens, despite Greens comprising nearly a quarter of the council.
Labour's Jackie Smith opposed, citing monitoring officer advice and noting that councils like Bromley and Bexley have not allowed opposition chairs. Conservative leader Matt Hartley said he looked for a change in approach after Labour’s vote share fell from 57.9% to 32.6%, but found Labour not listening. He claimed only one in four local authorities have exclusively majority party panel chairs, urging a “common sense, reasonable, practical change” for proportionality.
Cllr Hartley asked the council leader to meet with him and Cllr Rhymes. After the amendment failed, Cllr Okereke said the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was expanded to nine members for functional balance and that nothing prevents anyone from attending and participating. He agreed to a meeting.
The agenda to have all committee chairs be Labour was approved by the majority. Later, Cllr Hartley criticized the removal of a June full council meeting, accusing the administration of restricting democracy. Cllr Okereke said the removal was justified due to mandatory training and that a September meeting was added.
