Minister’s response over disgraced Saddleworth councillor is ‘shoddy, lacklustre and inadequate’
Debbie Abrahams MP
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has blasted a government minister for the length of time taken to respond to two letters and an email asking for updates on what action has been taken to identify ways to oust disgraced Saddleworth parish councillor, Mike Buckley, from his seat.
Debbie said: “At the meeting I convened between the parish councillors and Local Government Minister, Marcus Jones, in May last year, the minister stated his intention to consult on changes to standards for councillors.
“It’s absolutely appalling that eight months on, following two letters and an email later, I have received a response that I can only describe as shoddy, lacklustre and inadequate coming from someone in his position.”
In his response, which acknowledged a failure to respond to letters asking him about progress – sent to him in October and November last year and then a follow up email, in January 2017 – the minister said: ‘As you know this is something I’m very concerned about. The public rightly expect high standards from elected members and where that behaviour falls short of these expectations it erodes public trust in local democracy.’
Cllr Mike Buckley – “I am continuing to carry out my councillor duties by helping residents”.
The minister’s letter continues: ‘I’m giving this matter very careful consideration, considering not only how to address this particular issue but also how we might legislate for any changes once agreed.’
Debbie said: “This just isn’t good enough. The situation with Mike Buckley is standing in the way of the smooth running of the parish council’s business so I can’t blame councillors and residents for expecting the Government to come up with a solution and for it to be implemented as soon as possible.
“It seems the minister does not take the situation seriously at all, despite his claim to be concerned both to our faces, when we met him, and in writing. At this rate of progress it’s unlikely the law will be changed any time soon.”
The final line of the minister’s letter reads: ‘I will keep you up to date with developments’.
Debbie added: “For some reason this promise does not fill me with confidence.”
In response to Debbie’s comments Mike Buckley today told Saddleworth News: “The parish council has become less effective since the beginning of this affair because I was involved in a number of major projects that I am now unable to pursue through the parish council’s sub committees.
“However I am continuing to carry out my councillor duties by helping residents with their problems.
“I am also continuing to play an active role on the planning applications, I send my comments every month to Saddleworth Parish Council and Oldham Council.”
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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I have a couple of points on this really.
1) Surely there is something in the constitution of the Parish Council that states that criminals cannot serve?
2) His punishment as laid down in the courts was that he had had “a public fall from grace.” However, this is not the case as he still holds the main representative power he went into court with – that of a Parish Councillor. Had he had that stripped of him, then yes, he would have had a fall from grace as he could no longer serve the community. I feel therefore that he has not served a relevant punishment.
This debacle must be brought to a stop as it is bringing the Parish Council of Saddleworth into dis-repute and the voters are losing faith in them.