I don't think many people in Thanet realise the effect that having a 'hung' council is having on local politics. Residents are used to the Council being either Conservative or Labour run, with the ruling group having a clear majority and able to deliver its policies. The electorate knows what to expect, as each group will have published its manifesto.
I think most people are aware that we presently have a minority 'Labour' administration but many do not appreciate that it can only stay in control with the support of the recently-formed Thanet Independent Group(TIG) and this support will come at a price.
The fact that the Labour dog is being wagged by the TIG tail is highly unsatisfactory, as TIG is a disparate group of three individuals, only one of whom can claim to have a mandate from his voters.
Their self-styled leader Cllr Worrow was elected on a Conservative ticket, having previously tried unsuccessfully as an independent. I think his behaviour since defecting from the party would not have the approval of most who voted for him and it is a rare conceit that convinces him that they voted for the man rather than the party. They certainly would not expect to see him openly cosying up to Cllr Hart at every opportunity nor would they be impressed by his childish and disrespectful behaviour in the Council chamber.
Cllr Driver is a different story. Certainly his electorate would have voted for the red rosette and not the man, so would feel affronted that he is not still in the Labour fold. His politics however are still to the left, although much too far left for most peoples' taste. He is an unashamed self-publicist, with his own personal, political agenda, who employs tactics learned from his days in Militant Tenancy.
Cllr Cohen is the only one of the three to sit legitimately as an independent.
The fact that Cllr Hart appears to be prepared to do anything to keep the support of this unelected 'party' should be of concern to anyone who values the democratic process. It will be interesting to see what sweeteners, in the form of chairmanships with valuable allowances, are handed out at the Council AGM.