Complaint lodged against chair of Windsor Town Forum

ROYAL BOROUGH: A complaint has been lodged against the chairman of the Windsor

Town Forum amid claims a resident was ‘silenced’ at an online meeting, writes Local Democracy Reporter James Bagley.

Richard Endacott, resident and chairman of the West Windsor Residents’ Association, revealed he has lodged a complaint against Councillor John Bowden (Con, Eton & Castle), chair of the forum, with the monitoring officer and the leader of the Royal Borough after he told the host to mute Mr Endacott when speaking.

Last week the Express reported that Mr Endacott was muted after mentioning Brexit when trying to explain how the

Windsor Town Council would work.

He began his remarks by saying: “It’s a bit like Brexit...” but was then swiftly cut off.

He refused to stop speaking at Cllr Bowden’s request, which escalated the argument.

Mr Endacott was heard to say: “This is scandalous. Absolutely scandalous,” before he was muted.

Explaining his choice shortly after, Cllr Bowden said: “He cannot give clarity on a

Windsor Town Council that is not even in existence at this time.

“He then moved on to Brexit – there is no need for those sorts of discussions in the Windsor Town Council.”

Speaking after the forum, Mr Endacott said: “It just shows why a Windsor Town Council is necessary because when Windsor residents are muted when discussing Windsor issues, then something has got to change.

“As an ordinary resident, to be shut down like that is not acceptable and it stops people from participating.”

A council spokesman said: “The council does not comment on individual cases.

“Generally, any complaints against councillors are dealt with under the Code of Conduct process.

“If following an investigation there is a finding of a breach, this will be heard by the Member Standards Panel.”

Cllr Bowden declined to comment.