How many dual hatted politicians will we have after 7 May?
By Cllr John Marriott - Lincoln, Sleaford and North Hykeham
Originally published by East Midlands Liberal Democrats
In the world of local government we often refer to 'dual hatted' members.
These are councillors who sit on both District and County Councils in two tier authorities, drawing two sets of allowances and often now facing conflicts of interest as the two tiers are forced closer together for financial reasons. It would appear that this trend is moving to more exalted levels.
I see that the unfortunate Ms Atkinson, not content with representing her party, and hopefully her constituents, as an MEP in Brussels, was, until her suspension, also seeking a seat at Westminster. She would appear not to be alone in trying to get a bigger piece of the action.
In the event of her or any of her fellow travellers being successful, would she or they hang on to both posts, draw two significant salaries or give one up? Either way, it smacks of the ultimate in opportunism, or should that be chutzpah!