Conservatives call for Northumberland Park councillor & Borough Mayor to step down following foul ouburst 23/11/04

Commenting on the news that the Borough's "First citizen" Mayor Cllr Sheila Peacock is reported as having told a group of protesters at the Civic Centre -- re Cooperscroft & Trentfield closures -- that they were "arseholes", local Conservatives are calling for her suspension from office.

Local Conservative Peter Forrest has written to Council Leader Charles Adje in the following terms:

"I am advised that Cllr Peacock admits these words were used but claims in her defence that she was not wearing the Mayoral chains of office. As you will appreciate, such a distinction is entirely artificial: the code of conduct issued by the Standards Board for England makes it clear that personal behaviour in any capacity which brings Councillors into disrepute is a disciplinary offence. This can only be more so when such lamentable behaviour is committed by the Borough's First Citizen.

You will recall that in 2000-1, Cllr Peacock was obliged by the Chief Executive to issue a public apology in the Chamber after earlier having told anti-CPZ protesters in the public gallery to "f*** off". Clearly, Cllr Peacock has not changed her spots.

I expect a formal complaint to the SBE will be made shortly. In these circumstances, I am calling on you, as Leader of the Council, to ask Cllr Peacock step down as Mayor forthwith as she cannot represent the Borough with the dignity and decorum expected of its First Citizen. Referring Cllr Peacock to the SBE does not preclude the Council, and/or the Labour Group, from taking its own action and I also call for Cllr Peacock to be suspended pending urgent investigation of this most serious charge."

ENDS.