Oakham Town Councillor Adam Lowe, breached the Code of Conduct after visiting the home of Mayor Cllr Zoe Nealson, during his visit he made several offensive comments relating to her sexuality that could be described as homophobic and then he threatened her after a conduct complaint was raised.
The Committee Considered potential sanctions available the Committee could impose on the Councillor Lowe. Following discussion, it was moved by Councillor. O Hemsley that all available sanctions be imposed except the recommendation of training, which the Committee felt would not be of value.
3) That the subject Cllr Lowe be issued a formal letter.
4) That formal censure be imposed.
5) That Oakham Town Council be recommended to remove Cllr Lowe the member from committee(s) and other appointments.
6) That a press release and other appropriate publicity be published.
Rutland County Council found that Cllr Adam Lowe had attended The Mayor Cllr Zoe Nealson, home for a meeting last year, during which he made several offensive comments.
(The Mayors wife told me his conduct and questioning. 'made her skin crawl' In my opinion the comments could be considered homophobic. Some of Cllr Lowe's questioning and comments related to who was Mr or Mrs in the relationship)
Cllr Lowe subsequently threatened the Cllr Nealson after a complaint was made.
Rutland County Council Conduct Committee found that Cllr Lowe was in breach of the following
Oakham Town Council Code of Conduct obligations:
“He or she shall 4.1.1 behave in such a way that a reasonable person would regard as respectful and
4.1.2 not act in way which a reasonable person would regard as bullying or intimidatory”.
The Committee held that the following sanctions should be imposed:
1. Cllr Lowe be issued a formal letter of censure.
2. Oakham Town Council be recommended to remove Cllr Lowe as a member from committee(s) and other appointments.
3. A press release and other appropriate publicity be published of the Decision.
Cllr Adam Lowe has told me he will not be leaving Oakham Town Council.
Some people think he should be considering his position on the Council.
The only comments, I will make is Cllr Adam Lowe breached the same code of conduct many years ago when I was a town councillor.
And is it ever acceptable to threaten a woman?
