OPPOSITION councillors have blasted a decision not to let a motion on Brexit be heard during a council meeting, with some claiming it to be “absolutely appalling”.

Moved by Liberal Democrat councillor Gavin James, and seconded by Cllr Martin Tod, the motion asked for the county council to back a call against central government plans for a ‘Hard’ Brexit and for a ‘People’s Vote’ – which is demanding that Westminster gives the public a final say on the Brexit divorce bill.

Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Tod who held the seat for the <a href=Winchester Westgate division."> Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Tod who held the seat for the Winchester Westgate division.

But, just after Chairman Elaine Still asked Cllr James if he wished to proceed with his motion, leader Roy Perry stepped in to stop it being debated. Instead he used powers to have it “moved to the executive”, citing that the Full Council meeting was not the “right time nor place for this debate”.

This then triggered a vote, with Conservative members backing their leader to have the issue instead heard at the next cabinet meeting, on December 10, when the authority’s Brexit report will be presented. The vote ended 49 for to 19 against, with three abstentions.

Roy Perry Roy Perry

However, emotions soured with Lib Dem members shouting claims of an “unconstitutional” and “cowardly” decision.

Cllr Adrian Collett, member for Yateley East and Blackwater, said during the vote: “I move against this travesty. I am ashamed in this county council.”

Cllr Mike Thornton, member for Bishopstoke and Fair Oak, added: “I am shocked and horrified [by this decision].”

Other Lib Dem members also had their says, with shouts of “farce” and “this is absolutely appalling” thrown at the authority’s front bench.

But Conservative members hit back, with many – notably Cllr Jonathan Glen, laughing and making joking remarks at their political counterparts for their unified persistence.

Explaining his decision, Cllr Perry said after the meeting: “This motion was simply an effort by the Liberal Democrats to use the county council for their own political purposes.

“There was no point in debating it because it is up to Parliament not Hampshire County Council to determine the terms of Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU).

The Castle, Winchester. Home of Hampshire County Council The Castle, Winchester. Home of Hampshire County Council

“If the Liberal Democrats want to overturn the result of the referendum that is up to them but the county council has a serious task to do in delivering crucial services not engaging in partisan manoeuvres.”

This decision comes just over a week after Winchester City Council Conservatives prevented a similar motion, tabled by former mayor Cllr Jane Rutter, being put to a vote at its full Council meeting.

This prompted the local Lib Dems to blast the Tories following a 23-22 vote to move on the meeting, rather than vote on the motion.

Cllr Gavin James’s motion: “Council notes that it is now more than two years since the Referendum and the Government still has no coherent Brexit plan that has the support of a majority in Parliament.

“Since the vote in 2016: The performance of the UK economy has fallen behind. It is now the slowest growing economy in Europe with productivity slipping further and competitiveness reliant on the declining value of the pound; Hampshire residents – particularly those on lower incomes – are being hit hard by rising inflation and squeezed pay rates; Confidence among investors and established businesses is ebbing with jobs moving away.”