There are mounting fears that democracy is faltering at Gloucester City Council under the leadership of Jeremy Hilton. Opposition councillors have voiced concerns that free speech is being stifled, with questions repeatedly interrupted and motions blocked.
At a recent cabinet meeting, Liberal Democrat leader Jeremy Hilton again halted opposition questions, prompting accusations of autocratic control. During the budget meeting, several questions on the council’s handling of its financial crisis were similarly shut down, fueling worries about transparency and open debate.
Opposition groups report significant challenges in tabling motions for discussion. Last year, a motion of no confidence in Cllr Hilton failed to be debated due to lack of time, but was driven by similar concerns about his leadership style.
Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt) condemned the current state of governance, stating bluntly, “Democracy is dying” at the council. At the cabinet meeting on March 11, she was repeatedly interrupted by Cllr Hilton while asking supplementary questions. When accused of “rambling,” she insisted on explaining necessary context, but was warned to stick strictly to her original question or leave the table. Ultimately, she left the meeting, declaring that the council’s cultural issues were undermining democratic principles.
Cllr Hilton also barred one of his own cabinet members from responding to Cllr Chambers' questions and dismissed her criticisms with a sarcastic remark about group membership.
Labour group leader Terry Pullen (Moreland) echoed these concerns. Reflecting on Hilton’s leadership since his election two years ago, Pullen noted the leader’s promise to work collaboratively had largely gone unfulfilled. Instead, Hilton is perceived as bulldozing decisions through and reacting defensively to opposition scrutiny. “His approach is ‘it’s my way or no way.’ Clearly that isn’t working. Things need to change at the top,” Pullen said.
Alastair Chambers, leader of the Community Independents group (Matson, Robinswood and White City), also criticized the council’s operation, questioning whether true democracy exists there at all. He claimed that officers often make decisions behind closed doors, relegating elected councillors to mere figureheads. Chambers highlighted instances where budget amendments were dismissed outright and questioned motions and responses were altered or ignored, effectively undermining democratic scrutiny and accountability.
Attempts to obtain comment from Cllr Hilton were made but have not yet been replied to.