Many people from outside Gateshead often ask us about why the Member of Parliament isn't backing residents against the threat of demolition. After all as well as the Public Accounts Committee condeming pathfinder last week the report from the National Audit Office also found Pathfinder a complete waste of money.
Other MPs have asked questions about Pathfinder in Parliament. Some are concerned that Pathfinder is run by undemocratic quangos. Some are concerned that Pathfinders are disproportionately interested in demolition.
David Clelland, the genuinely working class MP for Tynebridge, represents portions of Gateshead and Newcastle that have been levelled by the bulldozer. As the former Leader of Gateshead Council he sees his role as representing Gateshead Council in Parliament. He has never been known to criticise Gateshead Council. Nor does he feel any real need to criticise Government policy.
Recently when a constituent wrote to him suggesting he might take up an issue against Labour Party policy he told him; “I do not want your vote so you can stick it wherever best pleases you.”
As demolition is the central plank of Gateshead Council's regeneration policy the committee of Saltwell and Bensham Residents Association have felt that they would rather just be abused by the current council leadership rather than inviting other elected representatives to have a go at residents.
Link
The Times
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