Reform UK Councillor Faces Scrutiny Over Committee Attendance Record
A Midland Reform UK councillor has been urged to improve his performance after coming under fire for his attendance at council meetings. Worcestershire County Council member Coun Dave Aubrey, who represents the Nunnery division in Worcester, has defended his record, insisting he is diligently serving residents despite criticism from a political opponent.
Attendance Figures Spark Concern
Since his election in May of last year, Coun Aubrey has attended all five full meetings of Worcestershire County Council. However, he has only attended one committee meeting out of two convened by the waste credit governance committee. According to the county council's official website, he is also expected to sit on the corporate parenting board, pensions committee, and planning and regulatory committee, but he has not attended any meetings for these panels.
Coun Aubrey has disputed the accuracy of the council website, stating it is outdated and that he is no longer a member of some of those committees. He explained, "I have missed a few committee meetings because I work full-time and have other commitments, but I've been to every full council meeting."
Political Criticism and Response
Elaine Willmore, a Labour city councillor for the Nunnery area, has been vocal in her criticism. She said, "I fully support people going through an illness or bereavement, but if you are not turning up because you choose not to, you are letting down the people who voted for you." She added that when Coun Aubrey does attend meetings, he often remains silent on significant local issues, such as school place shortages and the future of County Hall.
"Councillors are supposed to speak up for people and represent their residents," Willmore emphasized. "I've spoken to him and told him he needs to do better." In response, Coun Aubrey pointed to his efforts in addressing local concerns, including potholes, road and pavement resurfacing, and supporting community groups like the Girl Guides in Nunnery.
Broader Context and Leadership Comments
The debate over attendance has broader implications within the council. Reform's Jo Monk, in her inaugural meeting as council leader, stressed that councillors should take their roles seriously. She suggested that those unable to attend meetings should consider stepping down, even for health reasons, and criticized previous administration members for inconsistent attendance.
For context, Coun Willmore has been absent from three of 40 city council meetings since her election in July 2023, but has also served as a stand-in for other councillors on five occasions. This highlights the ongoing challenges and expectations faced by elected officials in balancing their duties with personal commitments.
As the discussion continues, residents and fellow councillors alike are watching to see how attendance and representation issues will evolve in Worcestershire's political landscape.
