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The mayor who took part in a chaotic parish council meeting faces a vote of no confidence as he claims to have “discredited” the local authority at large.
Cheshire East Council Mayor Barry Burkhill, who is an independent Councilor for Handforth and who attended the meeting, now faces a vote of no confidence on February 17.
The motion, put forward by East Cheshire Conservative Councilor Liz Wardlaw, says Mr Burkhill “did not attempt to intervene as it became clear that the participants at this meeting were being bullied.”
Jackie Weaver surprised at fame after parish council meeting went viral
He said: “The recent national coverage of the Handforth Parish Council meeting and our mayor’s attendance at that meeting has led us to believe that he has discredited this council and its role on this council.
Ms. Wardlaw’s motion calls for Mr. Burkhill’s term as mayor to “cease immediately”.
He added: “The work that has been done in Cheshire East over the past three years with the cooperation and commitment of all members and officers to transform its culture and reputation for harassment and intimidation has been undermined by this sad episode.
“The mayor’s inaction could be seen as a demonstration of his complicity in the intimidation that has taken place, and this cannot be ignored if the integrity of the Brighter Future program is to be maintained.
Mr. Burkhill has been contacted for comment.
Related
Snippets from the December 10 parish council planning and environment committee were posted on social media Thursday and quickly gained traction online.
Host Jackie Weaver became an overnight internet sensation for her calm handling of the situation, which saw President Brian Tolver launch the appeal on two separate occasions, including during the special board meeting later in the evening.
Following Mr Tolver’s eviction, Vice President Aled Brewerton, accompanied by an unnamed older man, yelled at Ms Weaver to “read the rules”.
When Councilor Susan Moore called for courtesy, the meeting erupted into semi-hysterical laughter and two other Councilors, Mr. Brewerton and Mr. Burkhill were removed from their posts.
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