Not much causes shock in the goings of local democracy even with the somewhat crazy elements that have cropped up in this current Thanet council. Still news comes of the suspension of Cllr Ken Gregory, apparently for having received a police caution for an offence against another councillor.
This comes from what I see as a background of tensions within the council that are effecting the governance of council and the zealous pursuit of the slightest non politically correct comment or the mildest of perceived slight is becoming untenable.
I'm quite clear that I have been threatened by councillors on the mildest of points with police action, with hysteria and over-reaction. Even apologising for comments made by others, isn't good enough. Let's get this clear once and for all nobody cares if your miserable, gay or what, get over it.
It seems incumbent on the either the Chair of the Council or indeed the leader Cllr Clive Hart to get their head out of the sand or whatever dark place, and speak with elements within the council that are now using the law in an unintended way.
On a personal note Cllr Ken Gregory has my best wishes and support, if he has transgressed I can only assume it has been a reaction, as the result of the pervasive, repressive, and threatening atmosphere in which some councillors are now in my opinion abusing the law.
It seems those happiest to invoke allegations of "hate crime" are themselves guilty of trying to manipulate the law, in a way not dissimilar, to both fascist and socialist in the past. I cannot help but think some councillors dream of show trials in which political enemies are disposed of.
Still we've probably not heard the end of this, as I understand at least one Labour councillor is alleged to have made abusive comments via the internet and again I can only assume that if true it might have been the result of the malign atmosphere of threats of which I've myself been a victim.
31 May 2012
Statement from Cllr Bob Bayford
It has come to my attention that Cllr Ken Gregory has
received a police caution for an offence against another
Council member.
The TDC Conservative Group demands the highest standards
of conduct from its members and I have decided to suspend
group membership from Cllr Gregory with immediate effect,
pending further consideration of the situation.
For the time being, I will assume responsibility for
shadowing the Housing and Planning portfolio.
-ENDS-
no why do you ask Peter?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read the Police report and transcript of the voice mail before I jump to any conclusion of whether Cllr Gregory should stand down or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm not defending his actions but at this moment I only have Cllr Worrow's word of what was said and I don't trust him or his word one little bit.
I never endorsed or used any homophobic terms myself nor will I or would want to, however having been on the end of a threat by local councillors to invoke "hate crime" for comments that I neither authoured, agreed with was even aware of can well see how people could be pushed beyond, common decency.
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad - we need to remember that there are some good men and women on both sides in our council, and I'm sure that they are embarrassed by these antics, by members on both sides of the main parties. The problem is, this all centres round one person, who has done more damage to the council in 6 months than most do in their entire career. I am pleased that the Tories have taken action - it's now time for Labour to get some morals, in more ways than one.
ReplyDeleteI quite agree with you, there are some who are good councillors but, the bad ones who have disrespeted others and been blatantly going against the laws of this country as well as the council, they must be thrown out, not just suspended, it must be befitting to their actions and must be administered now.
DeletePerhaps if they make examples of these councillors now, others will not follow in their foot steps
I note that, this has tonight been the subject of a report, on BBC South East Today, and interestingly the report alluded to the strange goings on in TDC.
ReplyDeleteJust as for reference much of my posting was written before knowing why Ken Gregory had been cautioned, his actions were without a doubt wrong, but then local politics as I have said is emotionally charged.
In the past we've had a Labour councillor express anti Semitic comments about the holocaust, should they have been cautioned, I think so but at the time politicians accepted ill considered abuse as an unfortunate occurrence.
Building on the comments of 07:00 I think it really is time that Cllr Clive Hart stepped in and either encouraged Mike Harrison to step down from the Labour group or suspended him, for alleged homophobic comments, a failure to react shows that Labour are failing to take seriously, shows a contempt for the public.
I am with Tony on this issue for the provactive behaviour of one councillor has done much to drive otherwise decent men to the brink. Not content with standing under one banner and on one manifesto, he promptly turns his back on those who voted for him and embarks of a campaign of blatant Toryphobia.
ReplyDeleteNot content with that he attacks others who voice genuinely held beliefs over marriage and labels them homophobic whilst also accusing blog site owners of publishing inappropriate comments. What he means is that Worrow can provoke all he likes and label anyone he wishes to on the flimsiest of evidence, but we must not criticise him.
I think he has plunged Thanet politics to new depths of depravity which make some of what has gone before seem positively honourable by comparison. Hardly surprising then that the odd red bloodied individual has flipped.
One good thing to come out of this. Now that the homophobic assassin has been identified and punished, Cllr Worrow will be safe to attend ward and parish council meetings again. Someone needs to post him the dates of the next ones so that he can ensure that he doesn't arrange important meetings to coincide - after all for a councillor surely there is no more important meeting than one with his or her or its constituents
ReplyDeleteI always thought that Ken was gay!
ReplyDeleteWhy oh why I we blessed with such shit local politicians.
ReplyDeleteAt least Bob Bayford had the integrity to suspend straight away - unlike the so called Leader of the Harrison group and his comments.These problems never were around until the likes of Driver and Worrow were elected! They are the problems.
ReplyDeleteWe would all expect such one-sided dogma from you, Tom Clarke.Your track record is there for all to see. You will defend any Tory wrong-doing as long as you have air left to breathe.
ReplyDeleteThe political environment locally - across both main Parties - is appalling. Politicians in both Parties - and in the Independent sector - are to blame for that. Sub-standard behaviour pre-dates the current kerfuffle, though. Let's not forget Ezekiel and Latchford, with their bully-boy tactics in Margate High Street, and with the former facing trial now for corruption.
The Tories have suspended Gregory only because he was cautioned by the Police; they have made no comment on his allegedly vile, offensive, homophobic remarks. They would have to do this, in reality, just as a prison sentence means automatic disqualification from office.
Harrison has not been cautioned, as far as I am aware, nor had any other official action initiated against him. There is therefore no parallel with Gregory's situation. I also believe that Harrison has denied he posted the comments on Facebook. Should that change then, yes, Labour would have to act as the Tories have.
Gregory may well have got "fed up" with his lot and may hate what his opponents are up to, but there is absolutely no excuse for what he has (allegedly) said and done. He should resign.
And before anyone claims it, I am not a member of, nor associated with, any political party whatsoever. with
9:48, I am not defending what either Cllr Gregory has admitted to doing or what Cllr Harrison is accused of, mainly because I think in their position it is an incredibily stupid thing to do, irrespective of any offence given.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I do feel that Cllr Worrow's behavavour over a period of time now has been highly provocative and, to some extent, he is the architect of much that has been directed at him. Indeed, it is probably intentional because it all raises the profile.
Of course, the local political scene is appalling, but amongst it all there are some good committed people on both sides. They are the ones who tend to get on with the jog unsung and it is the villains and idiots who hit the headlines.
By the way, who is we all. Surely you speak for yourself or do you need a crowd to back you up.
I realise, Tom Clarke, that it suits you only to focus on the antics of those - in this case Worrow - who are not part of your own (Tory) Party, but it only serves to undermine your argument - as well as your credibility.
ReplyDeleteYour stance seems to be that you are not particularly bothered about what Gregory has done, about the remarks he made, but only by his stupidity in making them - and not guarding against getting caught. A curious "moraity".
And sharply at odds with the moral high ground you sought to occupy when claims were made against the late Councillor Goodwin.
So you huffed and puffed over the decency of someone making a claim against a terminally ill person, yet wishing a terminal illness on someone, well, sort of ok - when that someone is Worrow.
Oh dear.
A very perverted and jaundiced interpretation of what I have said with a lot of assumption about what my attitude is towards the conduct of these councillors. I do not support or excuse what these councillors have or are accused of doing, but let me ask you a question. How often do you have to be accused of homophobia before you start to become homophobic?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you never explained who we all are.
Careful, Tom, for I think you may be having an argument with JW himself. Think about it. Who else would defend him.
ReplyDeleteAnother satisfying result for TIG according to Ian Driver (shouting a bit unnecessary though):
ReplyDelete"TODAY I COMPLAINED TO KENT POLICE ABOUT HARRASMENT AND HOMOPHOBIC COMMENTS MADE ABOUT ME BY THANET COUNCILLOR MIKE HARRISON. THE POLICE ARE GOING TO ISSUE HIM WITH AN HARRASMENT NOTICE. IF HARRISON MAKES ANY FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT ME HE IS LIABLE TO BE ARRESTED.
YESTERDAY THANET COUNCIL STANDARDS BOARD FOUND HARRISON GUILTY OF BRINGING THE COUNCIL. INTO DISREPUTE FOR DESCRIBING A WOMAN WHO OBJECTED TO BEING CALLED LOVE A FRUSTRATED DRIED UP OLD BINT NEED I SAY ANY MORE"
Harrassment? Where did that come from?
I wonder if Tony will be giving Mike his "best wishes and support" too?
ReplyDeleteA caution is something that a guilty party accepts as far as I know, as I understand things, you can either except such a thing or not and face more serious charges in court.
ReplyDeleteClearly a lot of simple souls, read these pages and myself not being perfect, I understand that, we all make errors of judgement, however don't confuse my sentiments with endorsement for abusive behaviour.
Having been bought up in a Christian environment one thing, I take from that is the concept of redemption and forgiveness.
When and if Mike Harrison accepts his wrong doing then yes he will have my best wishes and support without a doubt.
In the meantime hopefully he will also now resign the Labour whip assuming Cllr Clive Hart does not suspend him pronto!
No surprise you make reach a completely stupid conclusion Peter
ReplyDeleteI can't help feeling there is some kind of staged political psy-op going on here. Ken Gregory was certainly not a homophobe when he posted this, about one year ago.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this comment, posted at thanetonline, provides the motive:
"Anonymous
June 01, 2012 9:11 PM
There's been rumours for years that TDC will be abolished and Canterbury City Council will take over. Maybe all this will spur things on."
It is shaming when councillors antics become the story, not the work they are - or perhaps sometimes should - be doing for the island and their residents.
ReplyDeleteHow do we get out of this mire? For now the only sensible thing to do is the job elected for, quietly and consistently. Today I spoke to one family which needed a school appeal; another which needed help with housing benefit; and a third who finally got permission to sell their property having been supported through a two year battle.
Not many headlines there - but on balance could well be the best place to be.
I couldn't agree more however, the only way I can see out of the mire, is if Clive Hart and Mike Harrison move quickly, clearly Mike needs to stand down from the Labour group, and Clive Hart, wants to speak with Labours partners and serve the people who elected them rather than grandstand.
DeleteI don't know what provoked the comments, the motivation, the pressure, the frustration.
ReplyDeletePut it this way a few councillors have recently either pressured me with threats of police complaints over trivia, one comment I was told to remove or be reported the police, I later ran the comment by Kent police enquiry number they agreed it was innocuous , and whatever demographic they profess to represent is clear they are damaging to those they think they represent.
I don't know, I guess on balance no, neither strike me as being homophobic any more or less than you might expect in the general population. I guess both have made remarks in the heat of the moment.
ReplyDeleteJust as a side issue, it's almost reassuring that kent police have time to deal with these complaints since an acquaintance of mine recently complained to Kent police about some not inconsiderable consumption of drugs in a nearby home, apparently the police took the view since this was for personal use they could be not be bothered.
Of course they should resign. If they don't they should be sacked. There is no excuse for this kind of behaviour no matter what the provocation. They are public servants for God's sake.
ReplyDeleteDefending them is further proof that attitudes in Thanet need to be dragged into the 20th century (let alone the 21st) amongst some sections of the public as well as politicians.
Funny, Tony, how some time back, you (rightly) said you would not comment on Ezekiel's woes until he had been convicted - if that proves to be the outcome - yet you have already judged what should happen to Harrison. Unlike Gregory, he has been "convicted" of nothing -so far at least. Perhaps your double standards are driven by your hatred of Labour.
ReplyDeleteEvidently Anon 8:57 is a bit behind the times. Mike Harrison has been served an anti-harrassment notice by the police and also found guilty by the Standards Committee of another similar offence, though more sexist than homophobic. He is not facing court action so the rules of prejudgement prejudicial to that case do not apply. In the Ezekiel case they do.
DeleteGregory has also been found guilty of nothing since he has not been tried. He has held his hand up and accepted a police caution. Very different to awaiting trial.
Both these councillors have brought their offices into disrepute and should at least be suspended by their parties. Beyond that there is no mechanism for forcing them to resign their seats whatever we, the public, may feel about that. On balance we should perhaps consider the service they have given, how good they have been as councillors in their wards and then weigh that up against the severity of their present offence before hanging them.
I do not think either is really as offended as they portray because it is all good publicity and that is what they are about along with the positions they have now got at TDC. Since most supect Ian Driver is the force in TIG, one would doubt that Worrow even blows his nose without permission.
DeleteBetween them, and Driver is well versed in such arts, they hog the local media moving from one story to the next. Don't hold your breath on Thanet becoming the Socialist Republic of somewhere and us getting a state visit from Cuba. I jest, leastways I hope I do, but one can just see the jackbooted guard of honour drawn up to meet the plane at Manston (as long as it's not at night!).
8 57 I don't think that I've judged Mike Harrison in any way shape or form, although Sandy Ezekiel stood down without a lot of prompting, Mike Harrison is in a slightly different position he has been found guilty of bringing the council into disrepute by his offensive remarks about women, and now this from I understand Cllr Ian Driver referring to Mike Harrision THE POLICE ARE GOING TO ISSUE HIM WITH AN HARRASMENT NOTICE. IF HARRISON MAKES ANY FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT ME HE IS LIABLE TO BE ARRESTED
DeleteOne other point 8 57 usually people in public office generally stand down from office until such time as they've been cleared. Mike Harrison hasn't.
DeletePeter, the IOTG has the Ken Gregory story, complete with photograph as its front page main headliner this week. Doubt they will give the same publicity next week to the Mike Harrison one. Sorry, but it is 0 out of 10 for observation so you must try harder.
ReplyDeleteOh, and they also run a story with Ian Driver in full glorious technicolour about the Broadstairs Broadway Practice although, old bandwagon driver is not a Broadstairs town councillor nor is the practice in his district council ward. Nothing like grabbing every opportunity, supported by the local paper, to get some more publicity.
Simon does have a point for poor old Rebecca is so afraid of being accused of bias, because of her Tory folks, that she tends to lean far too far the opther way to be considered even handed in her coverage.
Peter, be fair, the guy is a Liberal Deomcrat and runs a good blog site. Of course, he is anti-Labour, but he is also anti-Tory when the story warrants it, as he frequently is with the KCC.
ReplyDeleteHow have I shown an anti Labour bias - I understand that Thanet council standards have found Mike Harrison to have been disrespectful to women, not an ideal qualification for a councillor.
ReplyDeleteAlso it is alleged with some justification that Mike Harrison has made offensive remarks about homosexuals on his face book page, pending a proper investigation he should stand down according to some sources this apparently this from Cllr Ian Driver "THE POLICE ARE GOING TO ISSUE HIM WITH AN HARRASMENT NOTICE. IF HARRISON MAKES ANY FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT ME HE IS LIABLE TO BE ARRESTED"
"Chris WellsFri Jun 01, 11:55:00 PM
ReplyDeleteIt is shaming when councillors antics become the story, not the work they are - or perhaps sometimes should - be doing for the island and their residents."
Sounds like you are trying to justify your position.
I bet you dont get any families going to you for help when KCC is stealing their children for forced adoptions... especially as you have said that your wife is a social worker who works for them.
Then again they wouldnt want to go to the leader of the Labour party who is also a foster"carer" either. Seen as all the parties work together anyway their wouldn't be much point.
The usual horse manure from you know who. Don't you ever change the record.
DeleteFor those who pertain to be from the horsey horsey set, who are mainly full of horse crap, best they remember that it is a crime to hide state child abuse.
DeleteYou mean pretend, for pertain has a totally different meaning.
DeleteThe pretendy brigade have always been full of horse muck and unfortunately far more interested in making money out of children rather than protecting them from the state kidnapping squad.
DeleteWhat need to be changed is Kent's record for child trafficking.
DeleteOf course none of them are in it for the massive sums of money to be made out of it ?
Could you please inform me under this freedom of information request how
many children are there currently subject to a child protection care
plan within the Local Authority? The total number of children currently
subject to a Child Protection Care Plan as at 30th April 2012 was 911.
Also how many children have been placed on a child protection care plan
within the last year? The total number of children placed on a Child
Protection Care Plan as at 31st March 2012 was 1397.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/children_on_a_child_protection_c_24?post_redirect=1#describe_state_form_1
Don't vote for any of them it only encourages them. If voting really made a difference it would be illegal they are all a complete and utter waste of space.
ReplyDelete