Islington News: James Kempton

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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 14 November 2008

‘Buck stops with me’ – leader

LIB Dem leader James Kempton has been forced to defend his party’s record following damning accusations revealed in Councillor Andrew Cornwell’s resignation letter.
Cllr Kempton released a public statement listing the council’s environmental achievements and promising to try harder to save money after his former finance chief claimed it was impossible to work with his own party.
In a resignation letter, Cllr Cornwell accuses the council of being “characterised by waste and inefficiency in too many areas” and of “excessive spending on refreshments, conference venues, travel costs and consultants. He goes on: “The number of highly paid managers has grown and unacceptable redundancy payments have been made to departing senior officers.”
Cllr Kempton responded: “Andrew’s given a very clear assurance, in writing, that he intends to remain a Liberal Democrat. Clearly he didn’t feel able to be part of the leadership and be bound by collective responsibility as part of that team.”
When asked if he fears Cllr Cornwell will hold the party to ransom, he said: “You can only do that once. It’s a nuclear option and he knows that. I’m clear I’m the leader of the council and the buck stops with me and I’m not prepared to take us places I don’t think are right.”

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