A second attempt to radically shake-up a housing organisation has failed after a stormy extraordinary general meeting.
Last Thursday, Kensington Town Hall in Hornton Street, Kensington, was packed with members of Kensington and Chelsea TMO, which controls most council housing in the borough, whogathered to discuss the fate of members of its board.
Reports of the meeting, from which the press was banned, paint a picture of a highly-charged atmosphere, which has sparked a war of opinion and words.
Both the TMO and the rebels have accused the other of 'deplorable' conduct at the meeting - which was held to decide whether to remove Juliet Rawlings and Michael Beverley from the board and reinstate two former members, Norman Dunne and Allan Erickson, to the cash-strapped organisation.
It has since been announced vote went the way of the TMO board, with around two thirds of members voting to keep Ms Rawlings and Mr Beverley.
A TMO spokesman said: "This was the result the members of the board wished for.
"The TMO feels the EGM was a waste of time and money because the membership had voted to reject similar motions at another EGM in March."
Each EGM costs around £20,000 to hold and can be called if a petition, signed by at least 50 members, is submitted to the TMO. It is understood the TMO is trying to change its constitution to prevent repeated EGMs.
Other TMO board members hope the meeting may lead to a greater understanding between the organisation and its critics.
New board member Cllr Emma Dent Coad said: "These residents evidently feel very badly let down by the TMO and the board. Behind their anger is a great deal of frustration and fear for the future of their homes and living standards.
"The TMO must acknowledge the causes of this and be frank, honest and transparent with their tenants and leaseholders.
"It's tragic that relations have soured in an organisation set up democratically to be run by elected representatives."
