Conservative Councillors at the Vale of White Horse District Council have expressed their anger at the "Hypocrisy" of Liberal Democrat Executive Member Bob Johnston. Cllr Johnston who lives in Radley, which is situated on one of the Best bus routes provided by Oxford Bus Company (35 & 35A) is the author of the Councils Green travel plan. According to copies of Cllr Johnston's Travel expense claims obtained by the Conservative Group Cllr Johnston claimed car allowances for 82 separate journeys to the Council offices in Abingdon in the last 12 months. in the forward to the Green Travel plan Cllr Johnston says "With the help of the new Green Travel plan the Council is in a better position to lead by example" The Document also includes the phrase "It's not about feeling bad when using a car its about feeling good when you don't" Its another embarrassing revelation for Cllr Johnston who was recently embroiled in a row regarding the value of the Old Gaol site. Cllr Matthew Barber said, "You really couldn't make it up. On the one hand we have Cllr Johnston telling all of us how we must ensure we use public transport for as many of our journeys as possible, then producing a glossy document ordering the councils staff to do the same, and on the other hand he submits an expense claim for over 980 miles despite living on one of the best bus routes in the Vale. He even has a concessionary fare buss pass! It certainly falls into the "Do as I say, not as I do” Cllr Barber continued, we all support the reduction of emission and support green travel wherever possible Executive members should be exemplary not exempt It appears that the only people that are exempt from the Liberal Democrat war on the motorist are the Liberal Democrats" Leader of the Conservative Group Cllr Melinda Tilley said, "This is just plain hypocrisy and another example of Cllr Johnston's arrogance and contempt for the Staff and residents of the Vale of White Horse. In light of this latest outrage Cllr Johnston should seriously be considering his position as an executive member of the Council.
