Labour accused of ‘stifling democracy’ after row breaks out at Cambridge City Council meeting

The ruling Labour group on the city council has been accused of stifling local democracy and failing to stand up to the government by blocking a debate over Cambridge’s growth.

The Liberal Democrat opposition expressed outrage after Labour councillors used procedural tactics to shut down the debate on planning policy. However, Labour say the motion proposed by the Lib Dems “served no purpose beyond simple showboating”.

The motion aimed to address concerns over the secretary of state’s decision to recalculate land supply, allowing developers to build outside the city’s Local Plan at higher densities and on land not allocated for housing. It also highlighted the failure to compel developers to build the 36,000 homes already consented in Greater Cambridge, and the ongoing delays on infrastructure projects like the Waste Water Treatment Plant relocation.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Katie Porrer (Lib Dem, Market) stated: “Labour is in national government, Labour have the Combined Authority mayor and Labour is the ruling group here in Cambridge. But this motion still needs to come forward as currently, there seems to be no point at all voting Labour here if you have not got the guts to stand up to your national colleagues and stop this erosion of our hard fought Local Plan and the handover of control to developers. I really hope that you are going to support this motion and work together with us, cross party, to get the best for our city.”

Cllr Porrer emphasised the need for sustainable, community-led growth, highlighting the importance of delivering affordable homes with infrastructure, such as schools, GP surgeries, and green spaces.

Following her speech, Cllr Katie Thornburrow (Lab, Petersfield) moved to shut down any further debate, supported by mayor Cllr Baiju Thittala (Lab, East Chesterton), who argued the matter had already been discussed, and the majority Labour group.

There were also attempts from Labour councillors to stop Cllr Delowar Hossain (Con, King’s Hedges) from proposing his motion because he had no seconder. Following legal guidance, he was permitted to set out his motion.

Cllr Hossain’s motion called for opposition to a “blanket 20mph speed limit zone” for Cambridge. However, before speaking, Cllr Hossain, a taxi driver who had declared this to the council, was warned by Cllr Thittala: “Think carefully because you might say you’re doing it for the benefit of the people, but at the same time, you have a financial interest. If you’re not being careful, you are attracting a criminal offence.”

The motion was not debated as Cllr Hossain failed to attract a seconder.

The Lib Dems then moved an unprecedented motion of no confidence in the mayor, citing a pattern of stifling local democracy.

This motion followed a previous incident in November, when the mayor had also shut down a debate on Lib Dem policies aimed at improving standards for renters in Houses in Multiple Occupation across the city.

“The actions of the Labour group demonstrate a clear disregard for local democracy and the concerns of Cambridge residents,” said Cllr Anthony Martinelli (Lib Dem, Market). “By shutting down this crucial debate, they have denied the city the opportunity to address critical planning issues and hold the national government to account.”

The no confidence motion was defeated.

The Lib Dems are calling on the Labour ruling group to reconsider their approach and engage in constructive dialogue.

Group leader Cllr Tim Bick said afterwards: “In 17 years on the council under both Lib Dem control and now Labour control I don’t recall any party using their majority simply to close down those they didn’t agree with and refuse to debate. In a democracy people will raise things you don’t agree with, but you have to argue it out, not act like playground bullies.

“Throwing your weight about like this is something quite new and unwelcome. It reflects really badly on Labour and certainly doesn’t do anything at all for the city and its residents. And it’s a great shame that the current mayor once again allowed himself to get drawn into such a shabby, party-political manoeuvre rather than protect the rights of all council members.”

A spokesperson for the Labour group responded: “As the ruling group we have always welcomed robust debate and we are all in favour of meaningful discussion that delivers real benefits for residents. However, that is not what was being proposed by the Liberal Democrats last night.

“The motion put forward by the Liberal Democrats seems to suggest that the council has not fed into the many consultations and proposals put forward by the Labour government regarding proposed planning reforms, which is blatantly incorrect. In the past 12 months, the Greater Shared Planning Service has written six times and made over 260 recommendations and comments to the government. In addition, multiple representations have been made on building control issues. We ensure we use all available channels to advocate on behalf of local residents when it comes to planning reform and our planning service has been nationally recognised for its impressive and innovative work.”

They argued that the motion put forward by the Lib Dems served no purpose beyond simple showboating, and would have no impact at all on government policies.

The spokesperson added: “A closure motion was therefore put forward by the ruling group and voted on in accordance with the council’s constitution following speeches to propose and respond to the motion. The executive councillor reassured the chamber that full and detailed discussion of the issues raised had already taken place in the appropriate forum, involving the opposition parties.

“It is interesting to note that later in the same meeting no opposition councillor stepped forward to second Cllr Hossain’s motion, thereby denying him the opportunity to have a full debate. This was not perceived as a denial of the democratic process by the Liberal Democrats, but we can only assume their reflection that the motion was not worth debating.”

Green group leader Cllr Naomi Bennett said she had contacted both Cllr Hossain and Cllr Porrer to confirm that her group would support any formal complaint they wish to make.

“The shenanigans at last night’s meeting reached a new low,” she said.