Tory removes wife as head of planning

2:22pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

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BASILDON Council leader Malcolm Buckley has removed his wife as the chairman of planning, the Echo can reveal.

The decision to not reappoint Sylvia Buckley as chairman of the development control committee, which she has been for a number of years, follows criticism from opposition and Tory councillors about the over public perception of her position.

Council sources said officers have been informed she will no longer be in the role following tonight's annual meeting.

It is not clear who her replacement will be.

The sources said councillor Frank Tomlin will take over as council chairman from Geoff Buckenham and Tony Hedley, responsible for leisure, will leave the cabinet.

Labour councillor Paul Kirkman was the first to publicly critisise Mrs Buckley's position, claiming at a development control committee, the public believed Mr Buckley could influence decisions.

The Echo later revealed there was discontent within the Tory group over the issue. Mr Buckley refused to confirm any of the changes, aside from the fact he remains Tory leader.

He said: "If there have been any changes and it gets out before the meeting, it could damage us in terms of the way we run the authority. If people are putting out information, whether it is false or true, and they are the sources that I think they are, then they will suffer the consequences.

"If something appears in the paper before the meeting I have the power to change the appointments if necessary up to 30 seconds before the meeting."