The meeting focused on several key issues, including the behavior of protesters, the adoption of a revised council constitution, the appointment of committee chairs and vice-chairs, and the allocation of seats on the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee. There was significant debate and disagreement, particularly regarding the fair representation of the Green Party in council roles.

Protester Behavior

• Discussion: Councillors expressed concern over the behavior of protesters who verbally abused and threatened council members, particularly targeting female members. Councillor Green and Councillor Gilchrist emphasized the need to ensure safety and condemned the aggression.
• Decision: Legal officers will be given statements to prevent the aggressive protesters from approaching the town hall in the future.

Adoption of Revised Council Constitution

• Discussion: The council discussed adopting a revised constitution with minor amendments proposed by the Monitoring Officer. Councillor Tony Cox moved the recommendations, and Councillor Gilchrist seconded.
• Decision: The council adopted the revised constitution for the 2024/2025 municipal year.

Appointment of Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs

• Discussion: The Green Party proposed amendments to ensure fair representation in committee chairs and vice-chairs, arguing that the current allocation was undemocratic and excluded Greens from positions of power. Councillor Onwemina, Councillor Jenkins, Councillor Graham, and Councillor Murphy were put forward for various roles.
• Arguments For: The Greens emphasized fairness, proportionality, and the need for diverse representation, including more women in leadership roles.
• Arguments Against: Councillors Gilchrist and Stewart argued that the proposals were last-minute and not in line with the council's governance process. They also accused the Greens of seeking power rather than fairness.
• Decision: The amendments proposed by the Green Party were rejected, and the original motion for committee chairs and vice-chairs was passed with 46 votes in favor, 14 against, and one abstention.

Allocation of Seats on the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee

• Discussion: The Green Party proposed an amendment to allocate one of the four seats on the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee to a Green councillor, arguing for proportional representation.
• Arguments For: Councillor Lamb and Councillor Molyneux highlighted the need for fair representation and the importance of having members who use public transport.
• Arguments Against: Councillor Gilchrist and Councillor Kelly pointed out that the proportionality should be considered across the entire city region, not just within Wirral. They noted that the Greens already had representation from other areas.
• Decision: The amendment was rejected with 14 votes in favor, 46 against, and one abstention.

Other Appointments

• Discussion: The council also discussed appointments to other bodies and organizations. The Green Party proposed an amendment for fair representation on these bodies.
• Decision: The amendment was rejected, and the original motion was passed with 60 votes in favor and one abstention.

Overall, the meeting was marked by significant debate over issues of fairness and representation, with the Green Party's proposals being consistently rejected by the majority of the council.