Leader faces ‘intimidatory conduct’ claim
PARENTS fighting proposals by Kirklees Council to shut a Huddersfield secondary school have accused council leader Shabir Pandor of “intimidatory” conduct.
It follows a meeting of the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday (April 16), at which supporters of Almondbury Community School presented a deputation backed by ward councillors Alison Munro (Lib Dem) and Bernard McGuin (Con).
They said they were “disgusted” at the “outrageous” behaviour of Clr Pandor, who they say interceded to harangue councillors seeking answers to key questions from education bosses.
They have now complained to the authority’s chief executive, Jacqui Gedman.
They claim they were made to feel unwelcome – and that Clr Pandor intervened to prevent awkward questions being asked.
The meeting, which was captured on camera via the council’s webcast, became heated.
Patricia Jennings, one of five parents who was present for the deputation in Huddersfield Town Hall, said they felt unwelcome.
“As soon as we sat down in the council chamber they were complaining about us being there.
“Then Shabir Pandor came over and said we weren’t allowed to ask questions so it was weighted against us from the start. It made us all feel so uncomfortable. To be honest I felt like walking out.”
Father-of-three Dave Burns went further. He said Clr Pandor’s behaviour “was intimidatory, verging on bullying.”
He added: “It was the worst display I have ever seen at any kind of meeting in public whatsoever in my life.
“It was designed to be intimidating to the public that were there.
“It was an indication of how he was going to behave towards us if we had the cheek to ask questions directly. It was as if he was saying: ‘This is what you’re letting yourselves in for.’”
Kirklees Council has confirmed it has received three complaints.
Clr Pandor said he made parents aware that council procedure rules permitted them to speak but not to ask questions.
“What I said is on record. If they feel that they have been shortchanged then they are at liberty to make a formal complaint to the chief executive.
“I have no problem with that.” The meeting got underway with parents relating concerns about the school, which is set to lose its secondary phase with 300 pupils aged 11-16 placed in nearby schools under proposals put forward by the council.
Clr Masood Ahmed, the council’s Cabinet member for Learning and Aspiration, urged parents to participate in a consultation, which began last month and runs until April 23.
Added Mrs Jennings: “The consultation is rubbish. They’re still not answering our questions. This is why we’re going back to the Cabinet because we’re asking questions and nobody is answering us.
“Shabir Pandor told Masood Ahmed to be quiet, and that he would deal with us. You can see it on the video. He winks at him and tells him not to speak.”
She said Clr Pandor’s approach was to protect his colleague, who was unable to deal with councillors’ questions.
One question, highlighting fears over inter-school rivalries and how pupils from ACS could be affected if they went to neighbouring King James’s, was on behalf of parents.
“I gave Alison Munro a piece of paper with that question on it, but Clr Pandor attacked her for spreading disharmony.
“He even tried to stop Bernard McGuin from speaking.
“We were all disgusted at the way they spoke to Alison Munro and Bernard McGuin. It was outrageous.
“I’ve written to Jacqui Gedman to complain about how we were all treated. People in the Save Almondbury Facebook group are also disgusted.”
Writing online, one woman commented: “Just watched the webcast of the cabinet meeting and all I can conclude from it is I have absolutely no faith in those responsible for the future of ACS.
“Not one single question was answered. How on earth do these people get elected?”
Clr Munro said: “Clr Pandor was really awful to both Bernard and myself.
“He keeps referring to ‘rivalry’ in my dressing down, but this was a question that was just handed to me at the last minute by a member of the public.
“His tone, attitude and total insensitivity towards the member of public who had passed me the question was unacceptable.”
A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “The chief executive has received three emails about the Almondbury Community School discussion at Cabinet.
“We take feedback seriously and, as with all feedback, we’ll be responding to those individuals.
“The consultation on the future of Almondbury Community School remains open until April 23.
“We would encourage local residents to use that consultation process, as this will help us shape any future decisions.”