Rebel councillor told to apologise – or resign

FRODSHAM Town Council wants rebel councillor Tom Reynolds to apologise for the upset he has caused – and undertake training on the duties and responsibilities of being a councillor.
If he is unable or unwilling to do so, the council believes he should consider his position and resign for the benefit of his constituents.
The council voted to impose the sanctions at their monthly meeting – with just one member abstaining.
This follows and independent investigation by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Standards Panel which decided Cllr Reynolds had failed to comply with Frodsham Town Council’s member code of conduct.
Complaints by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s two Frodsham members – Cllr Andrew Dawson and Cllr Lynn Riley – that Cllr Reynolds had shown a lack of respect in an email in November last year, were upheld by the panel.
The Town Council says it acknowledges the seriousness of the matters and the impact which such findings have on the reputation of the council and Cllr Reynolds himself. It considers his behaviour to be inappropriate and unacceptable and censures him in the expectation it will not reoccur and that his behaviour towards others will improve.
The council considers Cllr Reynolds is failing in his role as a councillor in every respect and it not representing the views of his constituents as he is not take part in council meetings.
Members voted to impose the following sanctions: That Cllr Reynolds should
1. Publically apologise to Cllrs Dawson and Riley for the distress and upset caused by his behaviour.
2. Undertake training to understand the roles, duties and responsibilities of being a councillor.
3. Undertake training to understand the correct procedure for raising issues and concerns through Frodsham Town Council and its committees.
4. Undertake training on the correct use of email, Facebook and social media generally.
5. Attend Town Councii and committee meetings – current leave of absence from council meetings and ban on attending committees being cancelled.
The council also agreed that if Cllr Reynolds was unable or unwilling to abide by these sanctions he should consider his position and resign for the benefit of his constituents.
Cllr Reynolds was not present at the meeting and sent his apologies.
Chairman Cllr Judith Critchley said he had been informed the matter was to be discussed but had declined to attend.
Previously Cllr Reynolds has indicated he wishes to appeal against what he considers to be “biased” decision by the panel.