SILENCE descended over the council chamber at Accrington Town Hall on Tuesday night as Labour councillors refused to take part in Leader's Questions.
At a Labour Group meeting last Thursday a decision was made not to take part as a protest over what they claimed was 'spin and propaganda' and lack of straight talking in council meetings.
Labour leader Councillor Graham Jones said: "It is with great regret that the Labour Group on Thursday night collectively took the decision to not ask any questions at this moment in time.
"Residents of this borough are being served by spin and propaganda.
"Few, if any, questions are ever answered with any honesty or integrity.
"This obnoxious politics is not serving the residents we represent. In fact it is damaging to the borough when those elected to serve simply serve themselves.
"Members opposite may wish to carry on the charade. Unfortunately we on this side have to suffer the stupidity by which it is done."
Conservative Councillor David Mason responded by saying: "I'm not surprised the Labour Group don't want to ask questions. They seem to have nothing or very little to offer in any shape or form.
"Now they have lost the ability to question the controlling group on the council and it's a shame because the opposition should hold the council to account.
"They are absolutely sick they have lost another council election."
