No confidence motion in Cheshire East mayor over Handforth debacle takes step further

By James Kelly

18th Feb 2021 | Local News

Cheshire East mayor Barry Burkhill.
Cheshire East mayor Barry Burkhill.

A vote of no confidence in Cheshire East's Mayor, Cllr Barry Burkhill, has been moved for further scrutiny by the council.

The motion, brought forward by Cllr Liz Wardlaw at full council yesterday (February 17), seeks to remove Cllr Burkhill from his position due to his involvement in the viral Handforth Parish Council meeting clip.

It says Cllr Burkhill, Independent, 'made no attempt to intervene as it became clear participants in that meeting were being bullied'.

However, the council's monitoring officer ruled before the meeting convened that the motion 'may not proceed to debate and must be referred to the Standards Committee'.

Presenting the motion to council, Conservative Cllr Wardlaw said: "In December 2020 and not for the first time, Cheshire East Council unanimously approved a notice of motion condemning bullying.

"This meeting was chaired by Cllr Burkill just six days after the infamous Handforth Parish Council meeting. The irony of this will not be lost on any of us.

"I thank the Monitoring Officer for his objectivity and professionalism, and await the outcome of his investigation."

As the motion was proposed by Cllr Wardlaw and seconded by Cllr Saunders, it goes to the Standards Committee's in-tray for further consideration.

"The Standards Committee after receiving a full report of the investigation, hearing from the participants, considering the views of the independent person, ensuring a fair and impartial process is followed may then refer the matter to full council with any findings or recommendation," the Monitoring Officer's note added.

The next full council meeting is set for May 12.

     

New sandbach Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: sandbach jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Sandbach Nub News Editor, Deborah Bowyer, tried one of the Mandeville buns. (Photo: Nub News)
Local News

Success on a plate - hot cross buns made in the bakery where Harry Styles once worked voted tops!

Every Thursday, we bring you top picks in Sandbach and near for our What's On Guide. (Photo: Nub News)
Local News

What's On in Sandbach this weekend: Easter activities, charity dog walk, quiz and more

WIN A £25 AMAZON VOUCHER!!!

To enter just subscribe to our FREE Stockport NubNews Newsletter.
Every subscriber will be automatically entered into our competition.
Deadline 31 March 2024.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Competition terms and conditions.