Suspended Councillor focus of probe
A County Grand Master this week hit back over claims his membership of the Orange Order had been terminated after an internal investigation.
A probe against Charlie Cefferty is believed to relate to a bank account which held thousands of pounds of members’ money.
However, in a statement, released through his lawyer Paul Santoni, Councillor Cefferty stated he had only been suspended from The Order and any suggestion funds were missing from the account were untrue.
The statement said: “We can confirm that, following an internal inquiry, our client was invited to a hearing to discuss and investigate certain complaints made against him in his capacity as an office-holder.
“Our client has always fully and completely co- operated with these i nv e s t i gations and provided such documents evidence or advice as was requested of him.
“He has always and did accept that he had, for various reasons, not complied with the laws and constitution of the Order.
“Whilst at the time he thought his reasons and actions were in the Lodge’s best interests, on the basis of legal advice and reflection, he now accepts that his views were wrong and not in conformity with the laws and constitution.
“He ha s a l w ay s anticipated that upon that realisation and advice to that effect that he would be subject to a sanction.
“He welcomed the opportunities given by The Committee to explain his position and accepts the sanction of suspension imposed.
“He has devoted a significant part of his life and effort to the well-being of The Order and continues to wish its continued wellbeing for the future.
“Should there be any calls for any external inquiry, he would again welcome that and once again fully co- operate with it.
“He apologises for any concerns that his failures in exact compliance with the laws and constitution and the inconvenience and trouble subsequently caused to The Order.”
R o b e r t Mc L e a n , executive officer for the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, stated to our sister paper The Sunday Mail that Councillor Cefferty had been axed from the organisation.
Mr McLean added: “There was disciplinary action taken against the individual concerned.
“He’s no longer a member.
“It was an internal matter.”
Fellow Shotts and Allanton councillor Tommy Cochrane backed Councillor Cefferty.
He said: “I don’t know the internal workings of the Orange Order.
“As a councillor, I can’t fault Councillor Cefferty who has worked with me and worked for the community.”