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A transparent disclosure or political excuse?

One-quarter of the politicians on London’s next city council could have their hands tied on some or all votes on the contentious $500 million bus rapid transit (BRT) project because of conflicts of interest.

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Legal and political experts agree it’s something of a sticky situation.

“I have a lot of sympathy for the councillors in this position, because I can guarantee you, if they voted on the project – yay or nay, it doesn’t matter – someone will take them to court,” political scientist Peter Woolstencroft said.

“It seems inevitable. We’re not talking about a chicken coop or a bus stop, we’re talking about a big project.”

Politicians, by law, have to decide whether a decision made in the council chambers could monetarily benefit themselves, their employer, or their family – based on the rules outlined in the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.