MP claims council leader told police to arrest blogger
ABLACK Country MP has called for the government to act after a claim that the leader of Sandwell Council requested that police arrest a blogger who had criticised him.
Tory MP James Morris, who represents Halesowen and Rowley Regis, made the call in Parliament in a question to the Leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom.
Labour council leader Steve Eling denies allegations against him.
It comes a year after Mr Morris used his Commons privilege to demand Cllr Eling resign amid allegations of abuse of power, fraud and corruption at the authority.
Mr Morris called for a statement from the Department of Communities and Local Government, saying: “Following my adjournment debate last year into Sandwell Council, there are still many issues still outstanding in respect of standards and conduct of some councillors within that authority.
“Only last weekend The Times reported an email exchange between the leader of the council and West Midlands Police where Cllr Steve Eling called for the immediate arrest of a blogger who had criticised him and the council, and stated that if this individual was not arrested the police would be ‘in contempt’ and it would be a matter for the Home Secretary.
“Could the Leader of the House find time for a minister for the Department of Communities and Local Government to come to the House and explain what the government is going to do to help my constituency of Rowley Regis understand what is going on within Sandwell Council?”
Mrs Leadsom said Mr Morris had raised “what sounds like a very concerning situation” and urged him to raise it with the department directly.
Cllr Eling said the Times story was subject to a complaint to the Independent Press Standards Organisation. But he said he would welcome an investigation.
“At the end of the day people raise things on the floor of the House of Commons because they can do so with the privilege,” he said.
“If he had made those same allegations last year outside of Parliament I could have sued him.”
He added: “I would say that Morris’ allegations are wrong. I would expect a government minister coming back with a response to have one prepared by civil servants with proper factual information which will set the record straight. So if him raising this matter in the House of Commons results in a factual response being given, then that’s all to the better.”