sandwell councillors suspended
The QC suggested Mr Hussain's breaches of the Member Code included: Mr Hussain gave evidence he did not know who was buying the toilet blocks because the purchase was through a company name, not the name of his friend. A councillor allegedly recorded using racially abusive terms about a colleague has been suspended from the Labour Party, the BBC understands. More incompetence?. The run up to the 2019 elections in Sandwell was marked by allegations that Labours national office had interfered in candidate selections, amid claims that allies of then West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson had been dumped in favour of Corbynites. Mr Kalari's suspension was confirmed by the Sandwell Conservative Federation which said it was investigating the posts. "To me that's terrible for the residents of Newton. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Sandwell Council Thursday 18 November 2021, 10:58am Lucy Kapasi Reporter, ITV News Central Cllr Rajbir Singh has resigned for personal reasons Credit: Sandwell Council It has been an. Read about our approach to external linking. Eling was suspended after complaints of serious misconduct. Jeers can be heard in video following the incident and alleged that the incident was 'assault' and calling for the councillor to be suspended. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. In a statement, Mr Kalari confirmed he had been cleared of any wrongdoing and thanked friends and family for support. The council will consider any appropriate action in accordance with its Ethical Framework that governs elected member conduct. More cronyism? Read about our approach to external linking. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. His case has been referred to the National Constitutional Committee, Labour's ultimate disciplinary body. He said the wife's penalty was cancelled, while his son's was reduced. His statement maintained "the handle" on the tweets "did not match the handle on my verified account". She denied being racist saying she never had the chance to defend herself. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Sandwell need councillors that put people and services first. A Sandwell councillor has been suspended from the Labour Party after an alleged assault against a blogger. "I have no intention of joining another political party, but I could give the people of Newton the chance to vote for me as an independent," she said. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Mr Jones has vehemently denied the claims. I am a proud British Indian. There is no evidence Mr Hussain "obtained any advantage" and Mr Jones was a "passive bystander", said the QC, It is likely confidential information was shared by Mr Hussain with his son Azeem Hafeez before Mr Hafeez submitted a bid for the former coroner's office, the day before the property was advertised by the council, It is alleged Mr Hussain "persuaded" the council to seek to a buy a strip of land, which he knew was owned by his son - who also previously worked for the council - and the relationship was not revealed, The QC also said Mr Hafeez "appeared to have done nothing" to declare his interest as an employee or Mr Hussain's son, which allegedly breached Section 117 of the Local Government Act 1972 [on disclosure by officers of direct or indirect pecuniary interests] and the council's Officer Code of Conduct and meant "disciplinary action" was required. Liam Michael Abrahams. She accused party members of leaking "these matters to the press" adding that she wished she "could have apologisedfor my historic mis-judgement".. Labour is going to be on a real sticky wicket this year in Sandwell and this latest cull doesn't really make sense. "There were no reported injuries and no property was damaged. An email sent to all councillors in Sandwell from the local party chair on Monday, seen by the BBC, said two of their number had been suspended - one of whom is understood to be Ms Hadley,. 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Last year, several Conservative members, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed there was evidence that minority ethnic members were being bullied, racially abused, and cut out of communications to ensure they were not chosen to represent the Sandwell Conservatives during this years local elections. Read about our approach to external linking. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Labour councillors have chosen Councillor Steve Trow to replace Mr Eling as head of their group and he is expected to seek election next month. Sandwell Council said it would co-operate with the police investigation revealed by the BBC in October 2014. . He claimed the tweets have appeared from a fake account, and that he was the victim of "internal Conservative fighting" set out to undermine, at the time, his leadership position. A blogger. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, US principal visits David sculpture after nudity row, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, Cuba cancels May Day parade because of fuel crisis. It is understood that one new candidate, Hezera Zehora, has already dropped out in Wednesbury South. His suspension is believed to have followed a series of posts he made which the party says "may reasonably be seen to involve anti-Semitic actions, stereotypes and sentiments". She previously maintained her innocence, claiming the recording was altered by political opponents. Richard Marshall had been Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure A councillor has stepped down from his cabinet role amid an inquiry into offensive messages about colleagues. Mr Goudie QC found Mr Hussain requested "in effect" for parking tickets for his wife and an unnamed son to be cancelled. She said she was rejected after a six-minute interview having initially been told she was unopposed in the ward. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Two Sandwell councillors quit, claiming Labour are trying to 'cover-up corruption and cronyism'. Steve Eling resigned as Sandwell Council leader on Wednesday, three weeks after his suspension.. A new leader will be formally elected in March and Mr Eling said he will continue to serve his. Read about our approach to external linking. A parallel police investigation ended in March with no further action. Laured Kalari said the tweets did not come from his account. I lost all faith in the Conservative party.. 13:26, 10 DEC 2021. He claimed: They fought and argued with anyone from a BAME background, [and] would always belittle their ideas or statements in meetings and out of them. Read about our approach to external linking. READ MORE:Sandwell's Conservative leader urged to resign over 'distasteful' social media posts. Mr Jones also said he could not comment now because the report was confidential. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. A Labour source said that Councillor Steve Melia has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party, pending investigation. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Deputy Leader Syeda Khatun will assume Mr Eling's responsibilities before a formal election on 5 March. Mr Khan added: "My complaint against Joanne Hadley's racist remarks this is revenge for that.". A Sandwell councillor and a prominent Labour activist have both been suspended by the Labour Party, the Express & Star understands. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? In the video, Mr Saunders, was calling out to councillors as they walked into the building, stating: "Councillors, back to the future? Senior reporter at the Express & Star. Councillor Steve Eling said he does not know the details of the complaint against him. Councillor Underhill said she was planning to write to Sir Keir Starmer to demand answers, and did not rule out standing against Labour in the election. Laured Kalari, who was leading the Tory group at Labour-run Sandwell Council, has categorically denied being behind the tweets posted in 2020 and 2021. A Conservative councillor has been suspended over a series of abusive social media posts aimed at deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner among others. Mr Kalari, a former Conservative leader and councillor, had vehemently denied making a series of offensive messages on Twitter, posted in 2020 and 2021. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Councillor Edwards, who in 2019 was the subject of a formal complaint over claims he had posted anti-Semitic tweets, was the council's longest serving member having been first elected in 1978. Councillor Davies then stood down in July last year after she was suspended by the Labour Party following allegations she posted anti-Semitic tweets. Labour said the new slate of candidates which includes nine women and 13 people from a BAME background will boost diversity on the council. Councillor Steve Melia Ward: Great Barr with Yew Tree Party: Labour Party Contact details Tel: 0121 502 5751 This councillor's full contact details, surgery details, committee membership,. Mr Khan wrote: "Until the Kings of KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] are overthrown Israel will continue its killing and destruction of the people of Palestine.". The council's Tory group will instead be led by Archer Williams. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Steve Eling resigned as Sandwell Council leader on Wednesday, three weeks after his suspension.. A new leader will be formally elected in March and Mr Eling said he will continue to serve his ward, Abbey. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules, What Europe's royals could teach King Charles. the borough's interim council leader, Councillor Maria Crompton. A leading figure for the Sandwell Conservatives has been suspended from the political party over alleged claims of harassment and bullying, while a former Conservative leader has been cleared by the party of wrongdoing. The tweets have since been deleted. The council has suspended garden waste collections to allow remaining staff to focus on domestic waste and recycling bins. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She added: "She [Councillor Underhill] doesn't know the whole story. Mr Goudie said publication of the Gowling report was "strongly in the public interest". The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. His suspension follows that of councillors Joanne Hadley, who is cabinet member for safer communities, and fellow Tipton Green councillor Ian Jones. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Political Editor for the Express & Star. "But I can't accept they have put a man there, which has broken their own regulations. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Councillor Downing said that by selecting a male candidate in her place in Oldbury, Labour had broken its own gender equality rules that each three-member ward should have two female representatives. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. Senior Multi-Media Journalist@JamieB_Star. Councillor Steve Melia has been suspended, according to a Labour source, Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter. We are aware of a video circulating on social media and we ask people not to speculate on the circumstances at this time, as it hinders our investigation.". 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Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article. Laured Kalari (left) has been suspended as leader of the Conservative party in Sandwell. The BBC has asked whether she remains on the council's cabinet but has not yet had a response. Ward: St. Paul's Party: Labour Party Shaheen Akhtar. Ms Hadley has denied any wrongdoing and claims the tape featuring the comments was doctored. The One Way of Bernard Street, West Bromwich will be suspended for the duration of the event. A recent audit found evidence of poor behaviour and a lack of trust across the organisation which has seen six different leaders in as many years and a number of misconduct allegations made against councillors. All of the councillors are understood to have been supporters of former council leader Steve Eling, an ally of Tom Watson. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. "This is not the first time the national party has interfered in Sandwell and people are fed up of it. This was among three occasions Mr Hussain allegedly broke the Member Code for councillors to help his family, according to the QC. Former Cradley Heath and Old Hill councillor John Tipper, who stood down in 2016, is back as the new candidate for Old Warley. As the SKWAWKBOX broke exclusively last month, the leader of Sandwell council in the West Midlands - an ally of Tom Watson and John Spellar in the heartland of the Labour right - was dramatically suspended by the Labour Party after a lengthy investigation. Councillor Giles defended her record and said she did her casework "through council officers". It detailed a further two councillors had been placed under investigation, but it is not clear what for. More incompetence? This Order can be cited as The Sandwell Borough Council (Hargate Lane, West Bromwich) (Kings Coronation Street Party) (Temporary Road Closure & Suspension of One Way Order) Order 2023. She added that the council faced two choices "a return to the white, male old guard who pay lip service to equality or Black Lives Matter, but will seek ultimately to preserve their own power base" or embracing a new future of "transparency, integrity and fighting against prejudice". I had to stop asking friends to join the party, he wrote in a media statement. Sandwell Council leader Maria Crompton, who is defending her Tividale seat at the election, said: Im excited to be going into these elections with such a fantastic set of candidates. Four councillors who have served nearly 100 years between them on Sandwell Council have been booted out ahead of the May 6 poll. Jan Britton (inset) As the SKWAWKBOX reported yesterday Jan Britton, the chief executive officer of Sandwell Council - the borough at the heart of the Labour right's West Midlands stronghold - resigned yesterday from his 140,000-a-year position, a week after being placed on 'extended leave' because of what the council termed 'serious concerns'. Mr Khan told the Express & Star he was trying to highlight to political turmoil in the Middle East, in particular "Israel's bombing of Palestine". Sandwell Council has partnered with digital services and consulting company Infosys to launch a website that will offer local people free skills training courses from beginner to advanced level. Have I given you permission to film?". Mr Jones gave evidence saying he did not know the relationship between Mr Hussain and the toilet blocks' buyer. Two Peterborough councillors suspended. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. A Labour Party spokesman said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.". The MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis denounced the council as a "rotten regime" in January 2018, prompting a retort from Mr Eling who branded him "a coward". Mr Khan is the complainant in the case against Councillor Hadley, where he alleged she made racist remarks during a private phone call. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Connor Jones, the chairman for Sandwell Conservatives, was suspended on June 3 following complaints from several councillors over his conduct. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.". Meanwhile Labour Party member and a Sandwell businessman Basharat Khan has also been suspended over social media posts. These decisions are made in London by people who have no idea about Sandwell.". Mr Kalari's statement explained: "It has recently come to my attention that a number of historic tweets have come to light, claiming to have originated from my Twitter account. "I have friends in the Jewish community, the Sikh community, the Hindu community, every community. Indian officials wife distraught as his killer is freed, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Strikes will also take place on the 7th, 14th, and 21st September. Subscribe to one or all notification sources from this one place. "Numerous times I was made fun of because of my age and my thick Indian accent. In a statement, Mr Kalari said he would be seeking legal advice as well as contacting police and Twitter. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. It is the first confirmed case of the new coronavirus. Councillor Laured Kalari denied any involvement with the tweets that were published in 2020 and in 2021. Subscribe to one or all notification sources from this one place. It is unclear when this decision took place. The council supports freedom of expression and speech and the rights of the press to attend council meeting that are held in public.. Sandwell Council's directory of all local Councillors. She has denied the allegations and claims the recordings were doctored. Laured Kalari, who was leading the Tory group. Current council leader Kerrie Carmichael said her vision for Sandwell was for a borough totally focused on . It really has hurt me what she's said. Among the allegations she made were, cover-ups over alleged wrongdoing by unidentified colleagues, the misuse of public funds, the use of private emails to hide communications and lies being told to courts. Sandwell Labour councillors will shortly need to elect a new council and Labour group leader, after Cllr Steve Trow dramatically resigned last week. It is not yet clear why. Mr Jones has vehemently denied the claims. The party said it could not comment on individual cases but said it takes "all complaints extremely seriously". And in an extraordinary turn of events, Laured Kalari, the former Sandwell Conservative leader, has been cleared by the party of any wrongdoing. Labour currently dominates the authority, which has been mired in turmoil for years amid numerous investigations and scandals and changed leaders three times in 18 months. ", Councillor Steve Melia (Lab, Great Barr with Yew Tree) pointed a finger at Mr Saunders, saying: "Have I given you permission to fim me. Mr Saunders, 63, could be heard in the video saying to councillors: "Back to the future? Cllr Steve Eling's decision comes after his party's councillors chose. So far, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Yvonne Davies, resigned from Labour in .
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