Lib Dems expose Council junkets

9.39.17pm GMT Sun 30th Nov 2008

Boston, USA - where Barnet's Chief Executive and Tory Council leader recently attended training courses at the cost of Barnet's Council tax payers

Councillor Jack Cohen, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Barnet Council, has condemned the attendance of the Tory Leader of the Council and senior council officers at a series of international conferences as a waste of public money.

Barnet's Chief Executive, Leo Boland, who is now leaving Barnet to become Chief Executive to Tory Mayor of London Boris Johnson, cost Barnet taxpayers £1,549 to attend a training course in Boston, USA. Earlier in the year Tory Council leader Mike Freer attended a BT training course in the same city after Mr Boland authorised the trip.

Councillor Cohen said "My own view is that the conference was a complete waste of time. I've asked them repeatedly how it has benefited Barnet and I haven't had an answer. I think the taxpayer will be outraged by this."