Cover up continues: Tories hiding behind "election purdah"

In another astonishing election twist, a sitting Tory County Councillor has refused to answer a question from a resident, citing the fact that we are close to an election.

The resident asked several questions about services for autism and Asperger's to Cllr Ann Naylor, Brentwood Rural Councillor and a cabinet member for healthcare. The resident also asked her what she had done, in a personal capacity as councillor, for sufferers of these conditions. Cllr Naylor responded:

"As we are in the run in to County Council elections and you are making reference to election literature it is not possible for you to obtain details such as those you request. I will not give them and officers never comment on politically motivated comments such as yours. As candidates we are "in purdah" for a month prior to elections.

"Essex County Council commissions excellent services for vulnerable children, adults and elderly people from a wide range of providers - some in the voluntary or charitable sector. Specific services may not be in line with your wishes but we have to look after all categories of vulnerability in a severely cash-limited environment due in great part to profligacy on the part of the Labour Party. Balancing all these needs is challenging and has made ECC and BCC reconfigure services to meet as much need as possible.

"I will not answer further E-mails from you on this topic.

"Yours sincerely,
"Ann Naylor"

Liberal Democrat councillors are more than happy to answer questions from the electorate about their actions on any issues, just get in touch here.