Yes of course Cllr Gabriella Giles was working quietly and effectively behind the scenes to try and clear up "the mess". Gabriella has served tirelessly on the Licensing and General Purposes Committees since her election in 2022. This is one of the hardest working Council Committees. Its decisions and deliberations have a direct impact on the lives of residents and the success of local businesses.The Council website shows that she attended far more of the 79 meetings held in the last four years than either the Chair of the Committee or his Deputy. The Chair, of course, receives an additional responsibility allowance of £8,530 pa that is paid whether or not he turns up. I am told that Gabriella regularly chaired meetings of the Committee in the absence of both the Chair and his Deputy.This is just part of the unglamourous work undertaken, usually unseen and unreported, by those councillors who take their responsibilities seriously. Well done if you have kept reading my posting thus far.The reason I am labouring this point is that Chiswick Riverside is now represented by councillors from three different parties. The Green Party member is new to the role and has literally no experienced Green Party councillors to seek advice from.In such a situation it would really be sensible for him to "eat an little humble pie" and to seek advice from more experienced councillors. In this case Gabriella's experience on the Licensing Committee might have avoided all this embarrassing "mess".As a retired councillor I am not ashamed to admit that particularly as a newly elected councillor I sought advice from fellow councillors regardless of their political persuasion. Experience, knowledge and practical advice are not the sole prerogative of one party.
Sam Hearn ● 1d