HODGE LOSES MEMBERSHIP OF ISLINGTON

Former Islington LBC Leader Margaret Hodge has been disqualified as a member of the council after failing to attend meetings over the past six months.

Ms Hodge said since resigning as leader in 1992 she had not taken an active part out of respect to the new leadership and to give her time for her family and her job as a consultant with Price Waterhouse.

She was appointed a Local Government Commissioner late last year.

‘I have done 20 years of service and everyone knew I was going to retire but they did not want a by election then’, said Ms Hodge.’I have been doing my ward work but no-one reminded me I was about to lapse. When I was leader we reminded people’.

She is seeking the Labour nomination for the late Jo Richardson’s Barking parliamentary seat.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 a member lapses from a council if he or she fails to attend any meeting ‘throughout a period of six consecutive months’.

Islington Leader Derek Sawyer praised Ms Hodge’s contribution to the council and said since 1982 her attendance record was almost 90%.