Councillor: Probe is ‘taking too long’
Suspended Labour Councillor Jim Sheridan says he is “frustrated” over the amount of time it is taking for the party to complete its investigation into comments made online in August, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.
A probe was launched into alleged anti-Semitic remarks shared on Facebook, meaning the veteran politician cannot represent the local Labour group on Renfrewshire Council.
The elected member for Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, has been replaced on the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board by Councillor John Hood.
Meanwhile, Paisley North west Councillor Karen Kennedy took his place on the Leadership Board for the first time.
Councillor Sheridan, who continues his post as an Independent member, said: “I’m concentrated on my ward and my constituents, that’s given me plenty to do.
“Obviously I miss the participation on the boards and the Labour group on the council.
“I’m just frustrated at the length of time that this matter has taken to get resolved. The frustration is multiplied by the fact you can’t influence the process.
“I’m amongst many in this position. It’s just unfortunate that people make an allegation and you’re found guilty before you can explain yourself.
“But I am really humbled by the number of positive messages I have received over the last four months by people who know me and know me well. That’s helped keep me going.”
Paisley South east Councillor Eddie Devine, leader of the Labour group, said changes to membership on the board should be “temporary”.
He said: “Assuming everything is fine then he will be entitled to come back on to the boards, we would want to fit him in.
“It was explained to Councillors Kennedy and Hood that this is temporary until we find out what is happening with Jim.
“Jim knows a lot of stuff because of his experience as an MP for 15 years. He’s got