Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs have pledged support for the Nottingham Evening Post’s campaign to keep town hall secrecy at bay as they prepared to mount a new offensive against the Local Government Bill.

The latest battle was taking place in a House of Commons committee room yesterday as MPs began scrutinising the wording of the legislation.

The Post is pushing the Government to include clauses requiring new council “cabinets” – made up of top councillors who will make key decisions – to meet in public.

Tory and Lib Dem MPs will submit ammendments in support of that goal.

Conservative local government spokesman Nigel Waterson said: “I very much support the Post’s campaign and will be trying over the next few weeks to reveal the weaknesses in the Bill.”

Lib Dems have also backed the Post’s crusade. Adrian Sanders, MP for Torbay, said: “I am delighted to support the Post. Executive meetings should be open to the press and public. It’s a fundamental principle of local democracy.”

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