A JUDICIAL review could be launched into the consultation on council reorganisation in Dorset.

It comes as the under-fire leader of Christchurch Borough Council, Ray Nottage, faces a vote of no confidence following a fractious full council meeting on Tuesday evening.

The no confidence motion was proposed by the leader of the opposition, long-standing Independent councillor and Freeman of the Borough, Colin Bungey.

More than 20 questions were put forward, with Cllr Nottage subsequently accused of not answering them 'properly'.

Now, businessman, Alistair Somerville Ford, who has previously challenged Christchurch council with legal action, confirmed he had given instructions for the prospect of the legal challenge to be investigated.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: "I am working on it. This is a scandalous situation.

"Only 20,000 questionnaires being sent out? There are more than 40,000 people in Christchurch alone.

"What's even worse is that East Dorset and Christchurch are in a decent financial situation.

"Why do we need to join in this extraordinary effort to reduce costs for the whole of this area when the problems are Bournemouth and Poole?"

He added: "It is disgraceful that Christchurch councillors have not had the opportunity to discuss this all together in council, prior to the consultation. And eight weeks for a subject of this magnitude is nonsense.

"They are making a mockery out of democracy."

Questions to the leader on Tuesday night centred on transparency, the consultation document including time frame, members input and the lack of business case.

A motion to debate the issues was not accepted by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Trish Jamieson, prior to the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Bungey said: "I was pushed to do this after the prevarication and non-answers to the questions by the leader.

"I am so sick and tired of the Conservative group complaining about the leadership and not doing anything about it.

"After that performance I cannot put up with this anymore.

"People of Christchurch deserve better representation and deserve someone that cares about the borough.

"The flawed consultation document is a major issue, which he seems to be quite happy with.

"Christchurch is being led by four or five people into a situation which the council have not had any chance to debate."

He added: "If this continues, Christchurch will be foundering. The council does not have any credibility any more. Members of the public are openly critical."

During the meeting, Cllr Nottage announced plans to form a cross party working group of members who will review information relating to the reorganisation including the consultation process, reorganisation options and case for change.

Members from all political groups will be included, he said, with the portfolio holder for effective council, Cllr Andy Barfield in the chair.

David McIntosh, Chief Executive of Christchurch Borough Council and East Dorset District Council commented on behalf of all Dorset Chief Executives, saying: “We are confident that the consultation process is robust and that there is no genuine case for any legal challenge.

"Indeed, any Dorset resident is able to take part and have their say. 

"We are equally confident in the advice, expertise and professional support being received from our external contractor, Opinion Research Services. 

"The consultation adheres to latest Government guidance on consultation and is being conducted specifically with regard to the best practice ‘Gunning Principles’. 

"These state that consultation should take place when proposals are still at a formative stage (no decisions have been made), provide sufficient information to give ‘intelligent consideration’ (a 12 page information document, dedicated website and the independent financial assessment are all available in the public domain), allow adequate time for consideration and response (8 weeks is consistent with Government guidance that consultation should be proportionate to the nature and importance of the issues under consideration), and that the results of the consultation must be conscientiously taken into account by those taking the final decisions (the process includes a two-month period in which the consultation results and all the other evidence will be considered by all the councils before they take final decisions about whether to make a recommendation to Government).

"All nine Dorset councils are committed to these principles and to listening to the public before a decision is made.”