Cabinet system proves to be unpopular with councillors

Every one of Basingstoke's 57 council members comes up for re-election in May because of boundary reorganisation, plus three newly-created seats.

"The word is that quite a number of councillors will not be standing for re-election," said Chineham independent councillor Martin Biermann.

"I think a lack of enthusiasm for the Cabinet system is pretty widespread - I can think of only two councillors who are keen on the new system.

"There are other factors in councillors not seeking re-election but in some cases it is the straw that breaks the camel's back."

Cllr Biermann said he had not yet decided whether to stand.

However, one of the youngest councillors, 33-year-old Glenn Bungay, has already made up his mind to go.

"When I was elected two years ago I was really looking forward to joining the council. But, frankly, if it was a business, it would be bankrupt by now," he said.

"You have very little voice as a councillor under the current structure. I feel I have no voice in the decisions.

"I am quite sad to see some of the most senior councillors not happy with the present system."

Cllr Bungay said his main reason for not standing was that he was moving to America, but added: "Even if I wasn't, I would not have gone for re-election because I don't like the Cabinet system."

Former mayor Cllr Lynden Jones, who has been on the council for 16 years, has not decided whether to stand again, but he urged councillors to work with the new system.

"I was cosy with the old committee system - perhaps the new system is what we need to pull us into the 21st century," he said.

One of the staunch supporters of the new Cabinet system, Cllr Sally Jones, is also going.

"I will be 67 by next May and I think that as Basingstoke is a young thrusting town, we need a balance of councillors with younger ones as well," she said.

"But I think the Cabinet system is beginning to work. It was bound to be a bit difficult at first."