Nice little item taken from Councillor Gareth Davies, on the folly's of Bill Brooks, Leader of Northumberland County Council

So the big story on Wednesday night, a housing strategy that is based on quality research and careful planning was swamped by the Chief Executive reporting that Bill Brookes, leader of Northumberland County Council, had driven a coach and horses through the voluntary agreement between all Northumberland's councils not to comment on the local government white paper before a joint meeting had been held.As an example of leadership on Bill's part it was a disaster; not only did it drive a wedge between the districts and the county, but it was seen to be unduly provocative on the county council's part. As I've said before, I have some sympathy for Bill's position. He ahs to keep the ultras in his own group happy; there are those at County Hall who are deeply committed to the institution of the county council beyond any point of logic or commonsense; it's an emotional attachment. Bill needs their votes if he is to stay as leader of the Labour group, so he must lead from the front, even when it would make more sense to adopt a more conciliatory approach.Expect fireworks in the next twelve weeks, not just tonight.