‘Assault’ claim is raised in council cabinet
Police launch inquiry into alleged incident
AN alleged assault by a Labour councillor on a member of the Conservative Party has been raised in a council’s cabinet.
Hyndburn Tory group’s deputy leader Cllr Peter Britcliffe quizzed the council’s leader Cllr Miles Parkinson on the incident which is claimed to have taken place during a break in the authority’s Budget Full Council.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the allegation that Overton ward’s Cllr Michael Hindley physically assaulted Conservative Party member and former Labour councillor Gareth Molineux outside the council chamber on Thursday February 24. Cllr Britcliffe intervened as the Hyndburn cabinet debated an item on new policy on ‘ Unacceptable Behaviour’ towards council staff.
He asked Cllr Parkinson: “Have you been made aware of an alleged incident where a councillor allegedly assaulted a member of the public?
“It’s come to a bonny, bonny pass when we have councillors assaulting a member of the public. It is ridiculous.
“Is this the forces of darkness?
“I am absolutely amazed when we see councillors stooping to this level.”
He asked if such an incident might be covered by the ‘Unacceptable Behaviour’ policy adding: “What are we the council doing about it? I hope they will act.”
Cllr Parkinson said: “This matter is being investigated by the police.
“The council will look into it and it may be dealt with by the standards committee. Obviously the police investigation takes precedence.
“It has been forwarded to the regional Labour Party.”
Chief executive David Welsby said the alleged incident would not be covered by the unacceptable behaviour policy being debated but would be a matter for the authority’s existing Code of Contact for Councillors.
Cllr Hindley said: “I don’t think it helpful for anyone to comment at this stage. I regret the atmosphere that exists in Hyndburn politics. I have not contributed to that bad atmosphere.
“I am on holiday. I will return on Monday and the review the situation having taken legal advice.”
Mr Molineux said that he had left the budget meeting to go and comfort the distressed partner of a councillor and upon giving her a hug was allegedly attacked by Cllr Hindley.
Despite the alleged assault, which Mr Molineux says was unprovoked, Cllr Hindley has not been suspended by the Labour party.