Councillor Expelled From Review Groups After She Writes To The Dragon

Published on: 26 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 27 Sep, 2015

Cllr Geoff Davis and Cllr Susan Parker at odds over Guildford Museum

A borough councillor has been expelled from two review groups because she wrote a letter to the The Guildford Dragon NEWS on the subject of Guildford Museum.

Cllr Geoff Davis (Con, Holy Trinity) lead councillor for economic development, heritage and tourism, who chairs the Guildford Museum review group and a little known committee reviewing the future of the Electric Theatre, regards the communication from Cllr Susan Parker (GGG, Send) to The Dragon as a breach of confidence by a review group member.

He wrote to Cllr Parker, leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group (GGG), to say: “The invitations to be on those groups which you previously had are therefore withdrawn, and you are not entitled to attend further meetings of either group.”

The email from Cllr Geoff Davis to Cllr Susan Parker informing her of his decision to expel her from the museum and theatre review groups.

In a separate email he wrote: “The press, particularly The Dragon, has printed articles saying that this a property deal, but based on no information at all…”

48 Quarry Street, currently part of Guildford Museum.

Speculation that 48 Quarry Street was already in the process of being sold has been denied by Cllr Davis. He said: “Not even tested on market yet. Certainly no sale under way.” It was previously reported that the council has had it valued by estate agents.

Further justifying Cllr Parker’s expulsion Cllr Davis wrote to her: “The decision in this matter has been strengthened by your copying in of many council officers, and the threats you have made.”

Cllr Parker had told Cllr Davis that she would make the matter known to the press if he continued with her expulsion. Her letter to The Dragon urged readers to send comments to the Guildford Heritage Forum, a website set up, by local historian and author Gavin Morgan, to encourage public debate on the uncertain future of Guildford Museum.

News that the future of the Electric Theatre, operated at a loss by Guildford Borough Council, is also under council review is likely to be a matter of concern to supporters of the arts in Guildford.

But GBC’s budget is under ever increasing pressure from central government and it is likely to be argued that the current level of subsidy is unaffordable.

Cllr Parker told the The Guildford Dragon NEWS that Cllr Davis told her she had been expelled from the two review groups because she had “broken ranks” and, she said: “that I have spoken to the media in relation to my personal views about the museum. I think this means my recent comment in The Guildford Dragon, in the discussion on the future of the museum. He has also expelled me from the theatre working group.

“I am very surprised, particularly as I have commented rather less on the museum than Cllr Davis, and not at all on the theatres, and I haven’t discussed anything that isn’t already in the public domain. What happened to informed debate?  Others, including Anne Milton MP, Surrey County Cllr Fiona White and Alderman Bridger had all previously commented in public.”

Cllr Davis has written to The Guildford Dragon on several occasions to give updates on the situation with the museum, most recently on September 15.

Susan Parker continued: “Cllr Davis in consultation with, as he puts it, the GBC’s  ‘Corporate Office’ seems to think that everyone on a committee should do as they are told. Clearly no dissent will be permitted. I suspect that it is my disagreement with his views on the museum, my wish to see our heritage protected and supported, and my persuasiveness within the theatre group that is the real problem, rather than the letter to The Dragon.

“But I will continue to express my views. If our heritage is sold off piecemeal, and the Surrey Archaeological Society’s exhibits removed, I will join with other residents in protesting at a socially and culturally bankrupt council policy.  I would also urge people to challenge the status quo and evict the Executive by signing Local Democracy’s petition for reintroduction of a committee system.

Cllr David Reeve will now replace Cllr Parker on the cross party review groups.

Cllr David Reeve (GGG, Clandon and Horsley), has now been invited to join both review groups by Cllr Davis to replace Cllr Parker. Cllr Parker commented: “I suspect that Cllr Davis may be disappointed and find David Reeve is as independent-minded as I am.”

“There seems to be a predetermined course of action for both working groups.  This is not supportive of our heritage, our ancient town or our culture. This will hardly be news to those aware of the legal notice already given to the Surrey Archaeological Society.

“It concerns me greatly, because of the possible impact on our town. Dissent is not accepted within these working groups.What will be proposed? How much damage will be done by a strategy that recognises the price of everything and the value of nothing?”

Cllr Davis responded last night (September 25). “What started it was her article [the letter to the Guildford Dragon], “breaking ranks” from our challenge on the museum working group.

“The article quoted wrong facts, not having checked with me or anyone else. Ironically, Susan had not actually attended a meeting by then. I agreed with experienced councillors from other parties that the group should be cross party, hence the invitations.”

“Susan is a campaigner, and didn’t seem to realise that she should have settled into the group, checked the accuracy of certain facts, and then made her feelings known in the group.

“That is the normal way, and it was scheduled that there should be public consultation, after the group reports to the Executive. In fact, Gavin Morgan is doing that for us anyway, through his Guildford Heritage Forum.

“The GGG party are still represented on the committees with [Cllr] David Reeve, who is playing a capable and active role. I’m not sure therefore if this really is news?

The Electric Theatre

“I was just exercising my right as chairman to ensure that the group does not get sidetracked from its task, following advice.

“With regard to the Electric [Theatre], a press release is scheduled for Monday.”

A claim that the theatre review group also encompassed the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre has been denied by Cllr Davis.

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