IF ANYONE has seen the general election debates of the last few weeks, you will know the Conservatives and the Greens have very little in common.

But earlier this week, a Tory council leader took the opportunity in a meeting to praise a Green leader for his dedication and hard work.

Can you imagine David Cameron turning to Natalie Bennett and doing the same?

But this is the reality of the Greater Brighton Economic Board. The body has access to millions of pounds and makes decisions that impact on hundreds of thousands of people.

Yet there is no squabbling or political point scoring. Instead there is cohesion, clear thinking, hard graft and, most importantly, progress. Of course we need political scrutiny and opposition parties can help provide that in the council chamber.

But think of the amount of time and public money wasted by political squabbles.

The Greater Brighton Economic Board has only been up and running a little over a year but members have made a great start.

They have joined together and made things happen – and in the process improved the lives of thousands.

Councillors in some of our warring council chambers could certainly learn a thing or two from them.