THE leader of the Thurrock Independent group, Cllr Gary Byrne, delivered his condemnation of Conservatives at last night's full meeting (Monday, 9 January), when details of the borough council's plight were confirmed.

Cllr Byrne started by thanking residents who attended to hear the debate but added: "But why should the residents trust any of us ? 

"Recent history begs the question 'should any councillor be trusted again with the residents' money'. The track record is appalling 

"You controlled hundreds of millions of pounds without delivering any form of due diligence, have any financial nouse,  or expertise.

"History proves we got it wrong time and time again, 

"The current administration were left with 30 million pounds worth of debt when they took control. They mocked the opposition saying the debt was outrageous.

"Now, whoever takes control in May is saddled with an outrageous telephone number debt."

Looking back, Cllr Byrne commented on errors close to his Homesteads ward in Stanford-le-Hope, saying: "Before the latest disaster, Stanford car park was sold under a huge black cloud by Labour for a few hundred thousand when it was valued at 12 million pounds 

"Topping that, this administration has spent Stanford station 11 million pounds just on admin at Stanford station which is now further away from rebuilding than ever before. 

"The brewery site was bought for over £3 million pounds, its market value stands at less than a million.

"The A13! How embarrassing is that?"

Speaking to Conservative members he said: "You continue to make poor financial decisions. Should the financial stability of our Borough continue to be based on 30 people putting their hand up as directed by the whip?

"The cabinet member for finance informs us his qualifications for the job are certificates from school many decades ago. Even Rodney's got a GCE 

"Auditors and accountants are in the top UK earner bracket for good reason. Are you out of your depth? Should you ever be let loose with the residents money again? 

"We can no longer say we have officers to advise on that. History proves we can no longer rely on them either.

"Due diligence is non-existent in this institution, yet it's a no brainer in every private sector business.

"And after all the recent problems you are still trying to pull strokes when covering up false promises and a lack of financial awareness. You treat us like a bunch of idiots 

"You failed to fix the roof while the sun was shining yet Conservative members continue to play silly games with us 

"Even allowing for inflation the Conservatives have smashed any of Labour's previous mishaps  out of the park

"Almost every cabinet member has failed to deliver on promises made from the time the Conservatives gained overall control. I think this cabinet would fail to deliver a pizza 

"Stats prove you're all way out of your depth. Why should any of you be trusted in the future? Why is there still a cabinet picking up money under false pretences, still making false promises, 

"There is new damming evidence coming out daily. It smacks of skulduggery and more cover ups. You are trying to build another wall of silence. Can any Conservative member honestly put their hand up now and say 'trust me with the keys to the TBC safe, and our family silver?'  

"We have to look at mandatory councillor finance training courses, independent advisors, a clear understanding of the due diligence process. 

"We can never ever again allow a handful of unqualified people to leave Thurrock in the gutter or with another 40 year legacy 

"It's time to stop the showboating, admit your failings, time to be honest enough to say I'm not qualified to make those decisions." 

The full meeting can be viewed via this link.