Cllr. Gavin Ayling

The debacle over Diego Garcia is a headache from colonial times… How bizarre, then, that the US is complicit in it.

I am delighted (though realistic) about the High Court ruling which allows the Chargossians to return to their homes. How sad that our government fought the case in the first place.

I attended an induction day today for new Councillors.

It was interesting stuff covering the activities of Councils generally, the unusual geography of Adur District Council’s patch, the management structure of the Council’s offices, the law surrounding the English Standards Board (the body that suspended Ken Livingstone… free speech anyone?), the Council’s Constitution, finances etc.

Over lunch we met the Directors and Division Managers within the Council which allowed us an insight into their day-to-day responsibilities and what they must do in order to provide best value for Adur District Council’s residents. After lunch I had to have one of those dreaded passes made (those that, I believe, are designed to ensure that you are made to carry a permanent reminder that you are singularly unable to smile genuinely on cue).

I am really looking forward to working in the Council and I hope I can interest you with comments here in future explaining what’s going on.