COUNCILLORS have defeated an attempt to pass a vote of no-confidence in Bournemouth council leader Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin.
There were boos and cries of “welcome to Beijing” and “shame on you all you hypocrites” from the public gallery as the verdict was delivered in a recorded vote at the meeting of Bournemouth full council yesterday.
Independent Cllr Anne Rey made the call following the revelation that porn was found on his council laptop computer – a matter which is now being investigated by the standards committee.
Cllr MacLoughlin declined to respond to the calls from councillors Anne Rey and Mike Everingham for him to stand down but earlier told the meeting he regretted what happened, adding: “I apologise to the council for the breach”.
Cllr Rey told the meeting: “I move this motion for the sake of fairness and what is right for this council and town.
“If this matter hadn’t been leaked to the Echo none of us would have known about it. If this had been anyone else it would have been referred to the standards committee and dealt with accordingly, and probably the member wouldn’t be sitting here now.”
She also referred to 20 staff who were put on paid management leave after sending “offensive” emails, branding it “double standards” and said that Cllr MacLoughlin should stand down at least temporarily.
She added: “He should be setting an example. Cllr MacLoughlin has lost the authority and respect which his position commands.”
Cllr Everingham said: “We know that you have had a whip placed on this move preventing this matter from being democratically discussed so that you can remain in office.
“Your actions have brought shame on this council, bringing it into disrepute. You should now consider your position and resign immediately.”
Supporting the move, Cllr Richard Smith said: “It did not seem to cross his mind what it would do to this council’s reputation.”
Cllr Claire Smith said: “This came as a great shock to many of us when we eventually learned of it. The damage has been done not just to Cllr MacLoughlin’s reputation but all our reputations.”
Tory Cllr Rod Cooper replied: “There is no whip as far as I know.”
Earlier in the meeting Cllr MacLoughlin was the subject of a blistering attack by resident Linda Ni’Man who called it a “cover-up”.
The recorded vote was 10 for, 24 against and eight not voting.
Comments
The recorded votes 34 but there are 54 council seats where were the rest hiding
The recorded votes 34 but there are 54 council seats where were the rest hiding
Again it seems that the public view does not matter , how do they expect our support , such blinkerd little fools , carry on
Again it seems that the public view does not matter , how do they expect our support , such blinkerd little fools , carry on
i think by the ammount of votes for this vile man all the laptops and pc`s in the council offices should be checked,would it not be a good idea for Cllr MacLoughlin`s home computer to be checked by the police, bournemouth councillors had a great opportunity to restore some faith and credibility ,but as is the norm blew it again,
Where is Tobias Ellwood in all this? MacLoughlin stays and the votes of so many Conservatives walks. By giving him a vote of confidence, the Party make it appear Conservatives align themselves with misconduct. Cllr. MacLoughlin is surrounded by "Yes" men and women. Like the Emperor with no clothes, they say he is clothed in honour - but the public - like the child in the story - see only his naked shame.
Where is Tobias Ellwood in all this? MacLoughlin stays and the votes of so many Conservatives walks. By giving him a vote of confidence, the Party make it appear Conservatives align themselves with misconduct. Cllr. MacLoughlin is surrounded by "Yes" men and women. Like the Emperor with no clothes, they say he is clothed in honour - but the public - like the child in the story - see only his naked shame.
I say well done to that man for having **** on his laptop. At least there is some life left in him.
Now can we move on and stop wasting time and money please?
I say well done to that man for having **** on his laptop. At least there is some life left in him.
Now can we move on and stop wasting time and money please?
What an absolute scandal, so much for Conservative ethics, and their much vaulted Family Values. And just what do the council hold as a valuable member of the council when its own leader is guilty of breach of conduct? Shame, and disgrace to public figures who are guilty of misconduct who remain to represent our town and its residents leads me to conclude that the whole local democratic process is corrupt and unjust...( but then we already knew that) they have just gone and confirmed it.
And while I am at it with cuts in Public Spending and Public sector jobs on the horizon and a question of money well earned in high paid positions one has to wonder the assured position of the sleaze Leader of Bournemouth Council, no doubt with the backing of his comrades who will no doubt be assured of job security. Vote them out.
And while I am at it with cuts in Public Spending and Public sector jobs on the horizon and a question of money well earned in high paid positions one has to wonder the assured position of the sleaze Leader of Bournemouth Council, no doubt with the backing of his comrades who will no doubt be assured of job security. Vote them out.
'20 staff ... were put on paid management leave after sending “offensive” emails'
With double standards like that, the bloke should become an MP. I hate to think how demotivated the council staff feel - one rule for the big cheese, and another for the minions. Welcome to Russia.
'20 staff ... were put on paid management leave after sending “offensive” emails'
With double standards like that, the bloke should become an MP. I hate to think how demotivated the council staff feel - one rule for the big cheese, and another for the minions. Welcome to Russia.
What he said was 'I apologise to the council for the breach'
Perhaps what he meant to say was 'I apologise to the council for being caught out'
What he said was 'I apologise to the council for the breach'
Perhaps what he meant to say was 'I apologise to the council for being caught out'