Mayor slammed over Downham snub

1.48.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th May 2009

Mayor Bullock blocked Jenni's appointment to the Phoenix board, denying Downham a voice

Labour Mayor of Lewisham Steve Bullock has been slammed by tenants and local councillors after he personally intervened to prevent a Downham councillor serving on the board of a housing association. Three councillors are nominated to serve on the board of Phoenix, which is the Registered Social Landlord for housing in Downham, Bellingham & Whitefoot wards. Previously one councillor from each ward was put forward, reflecting the political balance in the area and also maintaining a link between the Board and each of the three wards that Phoenix Community Housing covers.

At the AGM on 1st April, the Mayor made sure that no Downham councillor was put forward and instead put forward two nominees from Bellingham Ward. The Liberal Democrat nominees were Cllr Dan Houghton and Cllr Jenni Clutten, but only Cllr Houghton was appointed. At Full Council on 22nd April, the Mayor stated that he wanted to appoint people with "experience".

Cllr Dan Houghton said, "No-one believes the Mayor when he says that he is appointing the best people for the job - one look at his own Cabinet proves that. He is obviously still sore from the Downham by-elections, but why should tenants and residents suffer because of his bad temper? Phoenix is a new housing provider and needs Jenni's energy and fresh ideas and not another tired Labour politician on the board to be the Mayor's 'yes' man."

Cllr Jenni Clutten said, "I think I have a lot to offer and the electors of Downham obviously agreed with me earlier this year. Why can't he show voters and tenants in Downham more respect?"