Labour has branded a Lichfield Conservative councillor as “patronising” after comments he made about one of his rivals views on the future of the Friarsgate land.
Cllr Jon O’Hagan had been replying to comments made by Cllr Colin Ball about the need to consult with residents and businesses about how land earmarked for the failed redevelopment project should be used.
The Conservative representative for Stowe ward said it would be “silly” to reveal the council’s plans at this stage – before pointing out his Labour rival was inexperienced as a councillor.
“We need to do more work in order to be ready for consultation,” Cllr O’Hagan said.
“With the launching of a dedicated email address for the public to send us their ideas, it would be silly to go to the public with our ideas first.
“Let the public talk to us – we need to listen. Only then can we make provisional plans to take back to the people for consultation.
“I appreciate your enthusiasm, but remember that you are a very new councillor. We have to do this properly.”
But his comments have drawn criticism from Labour group leader Cllr Sue Woodward.
She said: “What an incredibly patronising comment from Cllr O’Hagan.
“This says it all about the Tory hegemony at Lichfield District Council. Why on earth does he think that his and his colleagues’ ideas trump public opinion?
“They’ve clearly learnt nothing from the Friarsgate fiasco.”
It’s not the first war of words Cllr O’Hagan has found himself embroiled in this week.
He has criticised Lib Dem representative Paul Ray for political point scoring after he gave his views on how the land earmarked for Friarsgate should now be used.
