Official opposition prevented

Independent councillors in Havering have condemned an attempt to prevent them becoming the borough's official opposition, despite having won the second largest number of seats in the local elections.

Arthur Latham, leader of the Labour group, which took the largest number of seats, has proposed Roger Ramsey, his opposite number in the third- placed Conservative grouping, as leader of the opposition.

The proposal, seconded by Wilf Mills, Labour's deputy leader, will be put to a full council meeting tomorrow. The Conservatives need only abstain only for the motion to be passed.

Eric Munday, deputy leader of the Conservatives, said the group had not decided whether to abstain or vote against. 'I personally would vote against, but I cannot speak for my colleagues.'

Roger Newnham, deputy leader of the residents, said: 'This is totally undemocratic. Our numbers are growing and the political parties are clearly worried the public is following our philosophy of local people dealing with local issues.'

Mr Latham said: 'For them to proclaim that they are an alternative government for Havering is nonsense. They are a rag-bag of individuals who vote as a group only when it suits them.'

The political breakdown in Havering is Labour 31 seats, Resident Association 17, Conservative 11, and Liberal Democrat 4. Labour is expected to form an administration with the help of the Liberal Democrats.

Louisa Sinclair, leader of the residents' grouping, said: 'We fight for things like decent roads, good refuse collection, decent schools and efficient services. These aren't important national concerns, but they matter a great deal locally.'

The residents say that being passed over as the official opposition means that they will denied the automatic right to reply to motions proposed in the council chamber. The leader of the opposition is also tends to be approached for comment by council officers.

The Labour group has proposed changes to the council's standing orders which effectively will allow the administration to choose its own opposition. Legal officers have told the residents they have no case in law against Labour.

Mr Newnham said: 'It is accepted practice and our moral right to be offered the opposition role. We will fight for that right as we always fight for the rights of our people.'