Oakham Town Council voted to report a member for breaching standing orders, after that councillor reported missing public money to police.
Cllr Dave Romney made the proposal, quoting a standing order that prevents members of the council from acting unilaterally when it comes to making decisions regarding council business.
I don't think the councillor has to worry about this standing order. It is a duty for any councillor to protect public money.
I spoke to councillors after the meeting, I felt the vote could be seen as the council were objecting to a councillor reporting a possible crime. I was told. I was misunderstanding things and Cllr Paul Ainsley told me to come back and speak to him in three months adding there were confidentially issues?
It really does look like the whole council has turned against a member for doing the right thing.
The councillor who went to the police remains a member of the council, they have resigned from the staffing and finance committees.
Oakham Town Council members are very unhappy that the loss of public money has been leaked. I would like to know how they were intending to hide the undisclosed loss, were they going to falsify the public records? or just hope no one would notice.
Cllr Rita Garward repeatedly objected to questioning and comments made to her from member of the public regarding the loss of public money. I wonder if she understands the role of a councillor and the legal responsibilities councillors have when it comes to financial matters, that question could easily apply to other members.
