There were alternatives

Even if the three "plaid" (now labour) councillors and the two "independents" had not liked the opposition "package" they could have stayed in the middle and balanced the two sides, voting for best from the experienced labour group and adding talented new blood.

But no, from the moment the five took Judas's purse the meeting was a waste of time, we are back to the old regime except they have secured their cosy, well remunerated, totally undeserved positions instead of five others. We will not even notice the difference! What a waste of time!