Strong Leadership Needed at Oakham Town Council Meetings
At the recent Oakham Town Council meeting, an incident occurred that highlights the necessity for professionalism and respect within our council. Councillor Anna Douthwaite, a newcomer to the authority, took the opportunity to voice her grievances regarding “nasty emails” she claimed to have received. Although she refrained from naming anyone specifically, her remarks implied serious accusations that have understandably stirred discontent among council members and the community alike.
Reported by Sarah Ward in the Rutland Times titled "Oakham Town Council discusses future of Victoria Hall," Councillor Douthwaite stated that she received a private apology but threatened legal action if these issues continued. While it is rumored that her comments were directed towards Councillor Brookes, it is crucial to recognise that airing personal grievances in a public forum undermines the very purpose of our council.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable. Council meetings should be a platform for constructive dialogue aimed at tackling the needs of the community, not a stage for drama or personal vendettas. Such rants distract from the work we are committed to and serve only to inflate tensions between members. It is imperative that we maintain a culture of respect and professionalism in all council dealings.
Moreover, the council must confront how we handle internal conflicts moving forward. While it is vital to address unacceptable conduct, personal disputes should be resolved privately or through designated formal channels. This is not only a matter of propriety but also of ensuring that the council operates effectively without the cloud of personal animosity.
Clarity and transparency are essential at this juncture. The community deserves to understand the dynamics at play within their local governance. Sharing the relevant email exchanges that precipitated this situation is not just advisable; it is necessary for fostering a culture of openness and accountability.
Let’s be clear: council members hold a responsibility not only to each other but also to the constituents we serve. We must champion professionalism and mutual respect, as these values are fundamental to maintaining public trust and credibility.
Moving forward, it is time for Oakham Town Council to take decisive action. We must review and strengthen our guidelines on member conduct, ensuring clear communication protocols are established. By doing so, we can cultivate a more cohesive and effective governing body that puts the needs and welfare of the Oakham community first, free from personal conflicts. It’s time to rise above individual grievances and focus on what truly matters: serving our constituents with integrity and dedication.
https://www.lincsonline.co.uk/rutland/news/talks-move-forward-on-venue-s-future-9399586/
Following an email communication from Councillor Anna Douthwaite regarding her new position as chair of the finance committee, I feel compelled to address some concerns. In her email, she encouraged me to reach out with any questions I might have about the budget, especially after becoming aware that I had spoken with Paul Ainsley regarding financial matters.
Dear Cllr Douthwaite,
I am writing to address some concerns regarding our recent interactions. I want to make it clear that I will direct my questions to any member of the council that I choose, and this typically includes the entire team. Open communication is vital, and I believe that all voices should be respected equally within our council. I will not accept being reprimanded for seeking information or assistance from fellow council members, including the chairman.
We all have equal standing, and no one is more important than another. I have been intentionally reserved in discussing the issues you appear to have with me. However, I have received feedback from several colleagues stating that you have expressed negative opinions about me before and after your second meeting when I was not present. This behaviour is concerning and counterproductive to our teamwork.
Your manner toward me has become increasingly unacceptable. It bears a resemblance to the negative treatment I experienced from a person named ######Dowthwaite, who has since been blocked from my interactions due to his trolling behaviour. It is rather disconcerting that both you and he share the same last name, leaving me to ponder whether there is a connection.
I want to emphasise that I am committed to maintaining a professional relationship, focused on our collective responsibilities as council members. Therefore, I kindly request that all communications between us be strictly related to council business. This will ensure that our interactions remain productive and respectful.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
M J Brookes
After sending my initial email to Councillor Douthwaite, I reached out to Councillor Paul Ainsley to discuss the situation further. In my correspondence, I mentioned that my comment about a councillor needing to "get off her high horse" this seemed to have offended her. While I expressed my opinion, it was never my intention to be disrespectful.
Upon reflection, I chose to apologise for the remark, even though I personally did not find it offensive. It’s important to acknowledge that communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, and I value the need for respectful discourse, especially among council members.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for our recent conversation; it truly alleviated any issues I and others may have had regarding the agenda. I appreciate your willingness to address my concerns.
However, I felt compelled to reach out to another councillor to firmly express that I will not be dictated to regarding whom I can and cannot communicate with. I believe it's important for all members to feel comfortable engaging with one another without unnecessary barriers.
It seems like this councillor could benefit from stepping down from their high horse, as their attitude is becoming irritating to other members as well. Just because someone is appointed chair of a committee does not make them more important than anyone else, despite how they may present themselves in their email signature. Perhaps they have not had the time read the good councillor guide.
Thanks again.
Best regards,
Martin
Here is the apology I sent Cllr Dowthwaite
Dear Anna,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere apologies for the comment I made in the email to our chairman that has understandably caused you significant upset. I deeply regret sending that message and the impact it has had on you.
After having a thorough conversation with our chairman, I realise that my personal feelings may have been clouded by misinformation from another member. Hearing how hard you are working for the council truly resonated with me, and I appreciate your commitment and dedication.
I recognise that the council has faced many challenges in the past, and I genuinely hope we can come together to drive the improvements that are so needed. Your hard work is vital, and I want to support you in any way I can.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Warm regards,
Martin
At our last Council meeting, I observed that Councillor Anna Douthwaite was allowed to express her frustrations regarding emails she claimed to have received, during which she exaggerated the number of messages sent to her. In truth, I have only sent one email directly addressed to her and another to Councillor Paul Ainsley discussing her role—though I did not name her in that correspondence. Following our exchange, I also provided an apology in recognition of her feelings.
After the meeting, I felt it was important to formally address the council to clarify my position and ensure that there is a complete understanding of the facts.
Dear Paul,
I want to acknowledge your professionalism regarding the conduct complaints that have been raised against you. It’s important to maintain an open line of communication, especially during challenging times.
Regrettably, I must bring to your attention that another member has not demonstrated the same level of professionalism. at this evening's meeting, they made a recorded public threat against me, which is concerning. Additionally, they exaggerated the details regarding the number of emails I sent—you are aware that I only reached out with two emails, one to the councillor and one to you. I did apologise for my email, but I believe it's not particularly offensive to suggest that a person should "get off their high horse."
Interestingly, through their public rant, they inadvertently confirmed that the individual who previously trolled me is, in fact, a family member. I see little necessity for that information to have been presented in a recorded public meeting.
I want to assure you that I had been collected evidence of ###### Douthwaite's attacks directed at me on-line, before I blocked him a long time ago. I am more than willing to provide screenshots should any of the threatened legal action be taken by councillor Anna Dowthwaite. I always wondered why Michael hid behind a profile picture of a dog. As the years passed, I learnt that trolls are cowards and never really willing to show their true identity online.
Moving forward, I believe it would be beneficial for all involved if we could put this behind us and focus on the work we are meant to do.
In conclusion I am constantly finding Cllr Dowthwaite manner towards me in meetings very difficult. Perhaps I am misunderstanding her but her reaction to me almost always feels confrontational.
Thank you for your understanding.
Martin Brookes
I received a further email from Anna Dowthwaite
Subject: Re: Meeting
I stand by what said at the meeting, I will not tolerate spurious & libelous comments levelled at my family. My family is of no business to the council or its members. Any argument you have with my ######, take it up with him not me. As he is a veteran of 2 wars, I find the term "coward" offensive. I said "a number" emails, it has been more than 2. I had accepted your apology, but now I see you didn't mean it. If I am "confrontational" then it is direct response to your constant criticism of the council via email and in chambers. You will not allow anyone the time to affect change, you've been moaning for days about the draft budget, then leave it behind tonight. Perhaps if you were nicer in the way you speak to or treat people then we could actually get some work done.
In her last email, Anna unnecessarily confirmed that the family member who has trolled me in the past is indeed her ######. This revelation raises significant concerns about her conduct towards me, which I find troubling. While I am not overly concerned about the conduct complaint she has raised, as I am confident I have not said anything offensive, I do find her comments upsetting. As you know, councillors have the right to express criticism, and I believe in treating others with kindness. It is particularly disheartening that, although I was not named during the meeting, I have now been referenced in the article without the full context being presented, potentially leading to misunderstandings that could affect my reputation.
Council meeting audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9jXk8wVbjg
If you take the time to listen to the audio from the full meeting, I believe you will find her manner towards me to be unacceptable. I am not alone in this opinion—others within the council share my concerns.
