To consider a notice of motion proposed by Councillor Cheryl Butler and seconded by Councillor Don Davis, as follows:-
“Section 85 of the Local Government Act, 1972 provides that if a Member of a Local Authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his/her last attendance to attend any meeting of the Authority, he/she shall cease to be a Member of the Authority unless the failure is due to some reason approved by the Authority before the expiry of that period.
We are all aware that the Member for St Marys Ward has been ill, however he continues to make progress and is eager to return as soon as possible. During his absence, his ward has not been neglected, as a number of Labour Councillors have picked up any case work necessary, and they will continue to do so until he is able to return.
Historically, this Council has been generous and magnanimous in allowing any Member, who has a long term illness, to have periods of sustained absence.
Therefore this Council
1. Approves, for the purposes of Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the continued absence of the Member for St Marys Ward, from meetings of the Authority and that this be extended for a period of approximately 6 months until 5th April, 2019, (effective from the 5th October 2018).
2. Forwards its best wishes onto the St Marys Ward Member.”
Minutes:
The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor Cheryl Butler and seconded by Councillor Nicolle Ndiweni as follows:-
“Section 85 of the Local Government Act, 1972 provides that if a Member of a Local Authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his/her last attendance to attend any meeting of the Authority, he/she shall cease to be a Member of the Authority unless the failure is due to some reason approved by the Authority before the expiry of that period.
We are all aware that the Member for St Mary’s Ward has been ill, however he continues to make progress and is eager to return as soon as possible. During his absence, his ward has not been neglected, as a number of Labour Councillors have picked up any case work necessary, and they will continue to do so until he is able to return.
Historically, this Council has been generous and magnanimous in allowing any Member, who has a long term illness, to have periods of sustained absence.
Therefore this Council
1. Approves, for the purposes of Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the continued absence of the Member for St Marys Ward, from meetings of the Authority and that this be extended for a period of approximately 6 months until 5th April, 2019, (effective from the 5th October 2018).
2. Forwards its best wishes onto the St Mary’s Ward Member.”
Councillor Jason Zadrozny moved an amendment to the motion, seconded by Councillor Lee Anderson, in the following terms:-
“Section 85 of the Local Government Act, 1972 provides that if a Member of a Local Authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his/her last attendance to attend any meeting of the Authority, he/she shall cease to be a Member of the Authority unless the failure is due to some reason approved by the Authority before the expiry of that period.”
This Administration condemns the actions of the current Labour MP for Ashfield, Gloria De Piero for contacting Councillor Aspinall at his Care Home and demanding he stood down. This Administration regrets this type of intimidation which flies in the face of the long standing Council tradition of allowing any Member, who has a long term illness, to have sustained periods of absence.
This Administration further regrets leaflets that have been produced by Ashfield Labour Party in the St Mary’s Ward of Ashfield District Council calling for ‘change’ and stating ‘It’s time for a fresh start.’
This Administration apologises unreservedly to Councillor Aspinall for this behaviour.
Therefore this Council
1. Approves, for the purposes of Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the continued absence of the Member for St Mary’s Ward, from meetings of the Authority and that this be extended for a period of approximately 6 months until 5th April, 2019, (effective from the 5th October 2018).
2. Forwards its best wishes onto the ward Member for St Mary’s.”
The meeting was adjourned at 7.10 p.m. to enable Members to consider the amendment. The meeting reconvened at 7.25 p.m.
Having been fully considered, the amended motion was put to the vote and carried, thus becoming the substantive motion.
The meeting was again adjourned at 7.42 p.m. and reconvened at 7.47 p.m.
The substantive motion was then put to the vote and it was
RESOLVED that
a) for the purposes of Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, approval be given for the continued absence of the Member for St Mary’s Ward from meetings of the Authority until 5th April, 2019 (effective from the 5th October 2018);
b) the Council’s best wishes are forwarded onto the St Mary’s Ward Member.
(During consideration of this item, Councillor Keir Morrison left the room at 7.40 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 7.42 p.m.)