Assault caution councillor steps down from role
ABOROUGH councillor who was cautioned by the police over an assault during an interval in a council meeting has resigned - having been suspended by the Labour Party.
Overton ward Labour representative Cllr Michael Hindley, 75, had accepted the caution last week over an the incident with former Hyndburn Labour councillor and cabinet member Gareth Molineux.
It happened on Thursday, February 24 during a break in the Hyndburn borough’s budget full council meeting.
Hyndburn council confirmed that Mr Hindley resigned from the council on Tuesday, less than a year into his latest term at the town hall.
A Hyndburn council spokeswoman said: “I confirm that we have received Mr Hindley’s resignation. The election timetable is such that the vacancy cannot be filled at the elections taking place on May 5.”
Former North West Euro-MP Mr Hindley said: “These decisions are entirely private.
“I am looking forward to having more time to myself.
“I am 75 years old and am reducing my activities.
“I am extremely grateful to the Labour Party for providing me with the opportunity to be involved in public life.”
A Labour Party spokesman said: “We can’t comment on individual cases as complaints procedures are confidential and we must uphold our responsibilities for data protection.”
Addressing Mr Hindley’s party suspension Mr Molineux said: “This was the right thing for the Labour Party to do.
“Although they were slow to act, at least they finally did so.”
Mr Molineux, who is standing in Overton ward for the Conservatives in May 5’s local elections against Labour’s Scott Brerton and Wayne Fitzharris of Reform UK, left Labour in June 2020.
Cllr Peter Britcliffe, deputy leader of Hyndburn Council’s Conservative group, said: “At last the Labour Party has acted over this unpleasant incident. It has taken its time about it.”
Former Euro MP Cllr Hindley’s resignation is the latest blow to hit Hyndburn Labour Party in the run up to May 5’s local elections. Six figures in the borough have quit the party in the last two years
- council leader Miles Parkinson, his wife and Netherton ward councillor Bernadette, Mr Molineux and his wife Cllr Jenny Molineux, planning chair Cllr Eamonn Higgins, and - this week - Spring Hill’s
Cllr Diane Fielding (see page 7).
Other Labour councillors not standing in next month’s polls include Huncoat’s Cllr Dave Parkins, and St Oswald’s ward’s Cllr Chris Knight.