Goodbye to Mike Freer, the man who laid waste to Barnet Council service

Finchley MP and former leader of Barnet Council, Mike Freer announced last week that he will not be standing for election again. In a personal statement, he cites his worries about death threats, an arson attack on his office and the repercussions of only avoiding being stabbed by the maniac who stabbed Southend MP DavidAmess, as he was out of the office when the murderer visited.

Statement from Mike Freer MP pic.twitter.com/SIAP0EpCkN

— F&GGConservatives (@Finchleytories) January 31, 2024

I don't think any fair minded, decent person can be anything other than horrified that an MP has been forced out in such circumstances. This blog has never been a fan of Mike Freer. We believe he has a huge responsibility, which he has spent a decade side stepping, for the mess that became the One Barnet outosourcing project. There are many times when we have crossed swords with him, however we have never wished any personal harm on him. Death threats and arson attacks are totally abhorrant. I refrained from commenting last week on the matter, as I felt, given the circumstances, I had nothing to add. However I had an interesting conversation with a Conservative councillor, who wishes not to be identified, who said the following, and agreed that I could say this.

"What Mike has had to go through has been appalling. We really have to look at the way we protect people in public office, be it MP's, Councillors or other high profile community leaders. The idea that an MP can be forced out is a very unfortunate signal to send. Of course Mike is quite right to speak honestly about what has been going on, but there is a risk that it will encourage those who seek to undermine democracy"

We then had a discussion as to what could be done. If we are to have openly accountable MP's, councillors and other public fears, there will always be a threat and a determined assailant is hard to stop. However, it is rare that those who indulge in such behaviour come out of nowhere. They generally have a long history of such behaviour, that generally ramps up. We discussed the point at which general criticism becomes something more sinister. He told me that he didn't feel comfortable with the principle that MP's and councillors are required to publish their addresses, as an example. I told him I was not sure this was really a problem, as someone serious about harming a public figure will find out soon enough if they are serious. He replied that it's not nice for the family to see threatening, anonymous notes and dog poo through the door. These are all things which have happened to people he knows in public office. I agree that no one should have to put up with such things.

However, when it comes down to it, being an elected MP is a privilege. They vote to send our armed forces to war and die, to defend our democracy. No one asks you to become an MP, you put your head above the parapet and part of the deal is that you stand up for democracy. You shouldn't have to face threats, but when you do, I do not believe that you should give those making them the encouragement which resigning and saying they hounded you out gives. I personally feel that Freer has let democracy down. Of course his fears need to be addressed and his statement has put the issue of MP safety in the spotlight, but given that whathappened to David Amess, surely this should already be a priority. I am starting to fear for democracy in the UK.

I am disappointed that Mike Freer is standing down before the election. Freer has implied the only reason he is going is the threats. I have no idea whether the thought that it would be a massive shock if he didn't lose was another element.  One of the most unfortunate effects of Freer's decision is that there has been no proper scrutiny of his career in politics in the Borough of Barnet. No one has discussed this, but it is perfectly fair to ask what the legacy of Freer is in the Borough. 

His record has been appalling. He laid waste to Barnet Council's services. This blog was started as a result of a cocked up outsourcing contract, that lead to my Mothers meals on Wheels food deliveries becoming inedible and systematically late. He also abolished warden assisted living, causing mayhem in the Barnet care sector. He initiated the One Barnet program, which lead to a disasterous outsourcing contract with Capita. He oversaw the Aerodrome Bridge development, which overspent by £10 million pounds. He was responsible for dodgy investments in Icelandic banks, that nearly lost Barnet Council huge sums in reserves. He also was in charge when the Catalyst scandal hit, with a contractor successfully suing Barnet Council, when they didn't make enough profit on a contract to manage care homes. Those same care homes later were found to have Legionella in their systems.

 As a pro remain MP, he took a job in Boris Johnsons team, helping to push through a policy that he knew was a disaster. He only backed away from Johnson, when dozens of other ministers had also resigned. As to being a good constituency MP? He never gave any support at all to The North Finchley Festival in his own constituency. Even Theresa Villiers from Barnet bothered to turn up. He didn't stand up for the parents of children with disabilities, when Barnet Council threatened to remove their after school respite sessions. He never spoke out about Capita, when it was clear the council was being taken to the cleaners. 

Sadly, this tale of woe is not what he'll be remembered for. He will be the MP forced out of office by threats. I wish Mike Freer well in his new life. We have to look forward and it's a win/win. It sounds like it will be better for the Borough of Barnet and better for his health and wellbeing. That is as magnanmous as I can be.