Published: 27 January, 2012

A contested leadership election is one of the few times a back-bench councillor can make a difference.  

And with three or four candidates, every vote will count.

Theoretically every one of Westminster’s 48 Conservative councillors can stand.  

In reality most would only consider voting for a cabinet member.  

This reduces the pool to just 10. And yet there is ample talent on the back-benches. 

Most of the 48 Westminster City councillors are “cabinet member material”.

Possibly over half would make good leaders.  

So what qualities are needed to rise to cabinet level?

Cabinet members are appointed at the sole discretion of the leader.  

It helps to be in the leader’s good books.  

Those who rock the boat or have too strong a mind of their own need not apply.

Other factors are the disposable time, and money – few can afford not to have another full-time job.

Saying nothing is a plus: every time you open your mouth, you risk making a fresh enemy. Being popular with the electorate counts for nothing in cabinet appointments.

Are we surprised that some cabinet members are rather uninspiring?  

The more middle-of-the-road they are, the greater the chance that they will become leader. 

Are wishy-washy policies what we need when the city council’s finances are in dire straits?

And so in local government, little changes.  

When money is short a few perfunctory savings are made and taxes are increased.  

Only few bother with essential questions such as: Is the size of government perhaps too big?

Is it right taxes are so high? Is it right that we provide a social hammock instead of a social safety net?

Only councils with slim majorities occasionally produce a breath of fresh air.  

Leader Stephen Greenhalgh of Hammersmith, for example, put through a number of drastic reforms including reducing the council tax by 3 per cent year after year.  

I would have no hesitation voting for him.

It is sad that the electorate has so little say in who becomes leader. Directly-elected leaders would be my preferred option.

So, here in Westminster, I remain undecided. I hope that a back-bencher will stand – I can think of three who would be utterly qualified.

I will try to do what my voters expect of me: I will vote for the candidate who is most likely to stay off people’s backs and out of their pockets. If that’s not on offer I may end up not voting at all.

Cllr Jean-Paul Floru
Conservative, Hyde Park ward