Lib Dems laugh off Tory Leader’s “Yellow Peril” rumours

Accusations from Tory Leader Cllr Louise McKinlay about a split in the group have been laughed off by the entire group of Brentwood Lib Dem councillors.

Cllr McKinlay has released a statement saying that the "local Liberal Democrat group have criticized their own Group Leader, Cllr David Kendall for accusations he has made concerning the Hutton Community Centre" and that that "Individually, members of the opposition group have spoken to me and I have even received an apology for Cllr Kendall's conduct."

None of the Lib Dem group has actually spoken to her about Cllr Kendall.

She also claims that "Cllr Kendall was taken to task at the Liberal Democrat group meeting earlier tonight (Monday) over his appalling behavior in the Chamber, his persistent failure to adhere to Council procedure and protocol, and for not informing the group of his intentions before attempting to introduce the item to the agenda."

Again, this is totally untrue and the meeting on Monday was productive and amicable with no "taking to task" featuring whatsoever.

Cllr James Sapwell, Brentwood North & Vice-Chair of the local party, said:

"I find this fabricated statement bizarre - at our annual dinner on Saturday Cllr Kendall was commended for his leadership of the council group and warmly thanked with a round of applause by councillors, party members, former mayors and Lord Tom McNally, leader of the Lib Dems in the Lords!"

Cllr Karen Chilvers, Brentwood West, who was at Monday's meeting, said:

"This statement from the council leader is laughable and it is disappointing to see idle gossip at the top of her agenda. The Lib Dem group is stronger and more united than ever and we are all agreed on our stance. We applaud David for raising concerns over a number of issues, including the Hutton Community Centre, and have no issues with his conduct."

"Cllr McKinlay should concentrate on the problems facing Brentwood and the conduct of her own members who see fit to hurl insults towards the opposition with no action being taken."

"However, if she did hear some arguing, it is possible that she overheard and maybe misconstrued our usual end-of-meeting banter about whose turn it is to wash up the coffee mugs."