"Dictator Callaghan":  Former Council Leaders Slam Basildon Leader's Plan to  Cancel Local Elections

BASILDON, ESSEX – Former Basildon Council Leaders, Cllr Malcolm Buckley and Cllr Tony Ball, have issued a scathing joint statement condemning the current administration’s decision to cancel the upcoming May Borough Elections.

The councillors expressed deep skepticism over claims by the current Council Leader that a lack of "officer decision making capacity and financial resources" makes the elections impossible.

“It is hard to believe that the resources for democracy don't exist while the Council Leader simultaneously promotes a £50 million ‘white elephant’ arena,” said Cllr Buckley.

The former leaders point out a significant contradiction in the Council’s logic: Essex County Council is proceeding with elections this May. While these are run by Basildon Council, the costs are reimbursed by the County Council.

“Since Basildon is already running the County elections, the infrastructure is in place. All that is required to hold the Borough election alongside it is the printing and counting of extra ballot papers,” added Cllr Ball.

Basildon is one of only three councils in Essex—alongside Thurrock and Harlow—opting out of the May polls. The remaining 12 councils are proceeding as scheduled. This suggests either organizational incompetence or "fear of the ballot box" from an administration desperate to maintain control.

“We must remember the price paid by the Suffragettes and the generations who fought two World Wars for our freedom to determine our own future. The message to Basildon Labour is clear: ditch ‘Dictator’ Callaghan and call on the Government to allow the people their right to vote.”

 WickExiT Press Release 10 

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