PROPOSALS to elect a government-style cabinet to govern Warrington's affairs would be a blow to democracy, claim concerned councilllors.

The radical move will come as part of plans to streamline Warrington Borough Council, believe worried opposition councillors, leaving an inner circle of six to eight members making every crucial decision.

Policy chiefs are already formulating proposals to reduce the number of council committees, replacing them with working parties or panels.

It is hoped by the council's Labour leaders that the changes will enable councillors to spend more time in the community - rather than at the Town Hall - and generate more interest in local democracy.

But Conservative group leader Clr Keith Bland and his Party believe the next step will include blueprints to establish a cabinet to rule the council.

Clr Bland told the GUARDIAN: "Why fix something that is not broken? It really is a nonsense.

"The group is not happy with this at all. We would prefer the council to be left as it is. We believe in streamlining because we feel that needs doing."

"But we do not think that having an elite section of six to eight people will be an improvement. We believe all councillors should have a say and that this is against democracy. The Town Hall is the main place where we can get things done as a councillor."

It could create around 52 'back-bench' councillors and rob minority parties of representation on key committees, according to Clr Bland.

He also believes Warrington councillors across the political spectrum are already committed to taking an active role in their wards.

Fellow Conservative councillor Sheila Woodyatt added: "I think 'back-bench' councillors like myself will find their role very much diminished. It will be to the detriment of local democracy."

Deputy council leader Mike Hannon confirmed the long-term aim could be to have a 'cabinet-style council', an approach favoured by the government, which is offering incentives to authorities who demonstrate they are making progress with their modernisation proposals.

"Clearly there are benefits for councillors to go forward with this because the council will get increased spending powers if we demonstrate best practice," said Clr Hannon.

Under the plans, either the full council or the council leader would select their own cabinet.

Clr Hannon believes the council leader would be best placed to select the cabinet, knowing the individual strengths and weaknesses of councillors.

He added: "It will make councils more accountable, create more interest in local governnment and create a greater understanding of what we do as a council."

Council leader John Gartside stressed no firm decisions had been taken on plans for a cabinet but the matter would be discussed at a future meeting of the policy committee. "It would free up time for members to be more ward-based and be community leaders in the wards they represent," said Clr Gartside. Councillors in Latchford have already formed a community forum comprising business and social leaders as a result of streamlining, Clr Gartside told the GUARDIAN.

"We would welcome ideas from the community because it is a 'public' council when all said and done," he added.

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