Times Group local government correspondent Bill Montgomery found himself in the unusual position of receiving compliments from all sides of Barnet Council at last week's meeting.
A resolution was passed paying tribute to his contribution towards the coverage and promotion of local government over many years.
Councillor leader Councillor Alan Williams noted it would be Bill's last council meeting before his retirement in November. He said that his relationship with Bill changed considerably when he became council leader in 1994 going from supporting Bill's exposs of the Conservative administration to sometimes feeling outraged at Bill's exposes of his own Labour administration.
He recalled that Bill had been particularly good at spilling the beans when the Tories were in control. Adding amid laughter: "I have no idea how he got his confidential information."
Liberal Democrat leader Monroe Palmer said he did not know of a similar column that dealt with all aspects of local government.
Conservative leader Victor Lyon added that in addition to dealing with local issues, Bill was prepared to comment on the shortcomings of the local government system in general. He added Bill's column would be missed.
October 23, 2001 11:19
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