Government launches consultation on criteria required to disqualify councillors and mayors

Debbie Abrahams MP

Reporter  Ruby Anstee

Following pressure from Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Saddleworth Parish councillors and residents, the Government has launched a public consultation on the criteria required to disqualify individuals from public office.

Debbie first convened a meeting between parish councillors and the local government minister, Marcus Jones MP, in May 2016, to discuss why rules allowed disgraced Saddleworth parish councillor, Mike Buckley, to remain as a parish councillor following a conviction for downloading indecent images of children.

Debbie welcomed news of the consultation after her prolonged lobbying, saying: “I’m pleased that the Government is finally launching this consultation.

“Saddleworth Parish Council has found itself in an unenviable situation which has affected the smooth running of parish council business for far too long.

“Although, it is deeply regrettable that the Government has taken so long to react to such a serious safeguarding issue. These delays do not reflect well on politics, politicians or democracy.

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“I have always said we need a change in the law; and quickly. The Government’s tardiness in publishing the consultation document doesn’t bode well for a speedy change to the law and I don’t expect it will be changed any time soon.

“I would encourage anyone who is concerned about the issue of how we remove councillors and mayors from office, should their behaviour fall below the standards we expect, to take part in the survey and share the link with their friends and family.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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