THE leader of the Conservative group on Tonbridge and Malling council says the new leader and cabinet system to be introduced next year will restrict freedom of speech.

Cllr Mark Worrall said the proposals meant that non-cabinet members would not be able to speak at cabinet meeting on matters arising from presentations and debates.

He made his criticism at a meeting of the council's policy and resources committee meeting which recommended the full council adopt the draft constitution.

Cllr Worrall specifically criticised a clause in the draft constitution which prevents non-members of the cabinet addressing cabinet meetings without giving 24 hours notification prior to a meeting.

He said: "It is the most significant change in the Tonbridge and Malling borough from our old way of working to the new and it is one that covers the whole issue of freedom of speech for all members."

In the past, he said, councillors had been able to comment on verbal presentations and matters that had arisen in debate before decisions were made. But under the new system this would not be possible.

Cllr Worrall said that the change was in "precisely the same direction that leads to dictatorship in other parts of the world."

But Tonbridge and Malling chief executive Tim Thompson said the new constitution drawn up had "pushed the rules of inclusiveness for this authority further than any other authority I know."

He added: "All decisions of the cabinet will be notified to all other members of the council and the press within two days of a decision of members of the cabinet. Whether it is taking a key decision or not meetings will be open to all members, the press and the public. You will all have the opportunity to put in written representations, and you all have the opportunity to scrutinise members of the cabinet and the ability to call decisions in."

Mr Thompson stressed: "To follow the line you are talking about, effectively free for all participation in cabinet business, you are going to end up with 55 members taking part and only seven being able to vote. My strong advice to you is do not put that to the Secretary of State because it will be thrown out."

Council leader Cllr David Thornewell (Lib Dem) said: "Everyone will be entitled to lobby colleagues on this committee. There is nothing in this that is intended to stop local members introducing their views but I do accept that is different from the committee system; that is the intention of the legislation."

Cllr David Lettington (Lib Dem) said: "What we are proposing to do is much more open than many other councils are proposing and bringing in and there are much greater freedoms for members of the public to put their point of view."

Labour leader Cllr Derek Still said: " I think in time we will be the local authority to follow. This won't disenfranchise any local member. He will be able to raise any matter he wants to."

The present joint Liberal Democrat and Labour administration it to take all seven seats on the cabinet. The Conservative opposition will provide the chairmen or women for the scrutiny, policy overview and best value committees.