Here is an article from 2001 where the Conservative Party (then in opposition) bemoan the fact that, under Labour, there is too much town hall secrecy and pledging that, should they get into power, everything will change.
“Before the election, Tony Blair promised to make government more open. But obsessed with control-freakery, Labour are now creating a new culture of secrecy in local councils.”
He warned that the new law could create a “breeding ground for inefficiency and corruption” and accused the government of trying to “sneak through” the regulations.
Tories will revoke law
Mr Norman pledged that a future Tory government would reverse the changes and “force” councils to open their meetings to both public and press alike.
But the new law was defended by a spokesman for the Department of the Environment who said that the old access to information regime was “not appropriate for the new executive constitutions” introduced by the Act.
“The system is changing, therefore the kinds of regulations you have covering scrutiny and access change as well.
“At the heart of the new system is accountability, efficiency and transparency.”
East Devon Watch 