Latest news with #IndependentCouncillor
ABC News
a day ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Parramatta councillor unsuccessful in bid to seek more detail on reported ICAC raid
Councillors at Parramatta City Council have knocked back a request to seek more information on a reported raid on its offices by the corruption watchdog last month. Independent councillor Kellie Darley put forward a motion at Monday night's council meeting proposing that the council acknowledge "significant community concern" over the "entry" to the offices by Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) officers. It follows media reports that ICAC officers conducted the raid and seized the mobile phones of senior staff just hours before a council meeting. Councillor Darley told the meeting she wanted to publicly acknowledge concerns that have been raised by community members, and to address an information "void". "Unfortunately when people don't have information and they speculate, they come up with things that are not true," Cllr Darley said. "The reason I wanted to put this on the agenda tonight is to acknowledge that concern but also address the misinformation. The motion was ultimately defeated, but Labor Councillor Patricia Prociv successfully moved an amendment that council "affirms its zero-tolerance approach to fraudulent or corrupt behaviour". Her amendment also noted that council "would continue delivering the highest level of service". The amendment passed unanimously. Following the meeting, Councillor Darley said she was disappointed her motion was unsuccessful, and vowed to continue raising questions about the matter at future meetings. "They're sweeping it under the carpet and putting their head in the sand," she said. The ICAC has declined to comment on the reports.
BBC News
27-07-2025
- BBC News
Wyre councillor charged with raping child
A serving councillor has been charged with raping a child. Ashley Sorenson is facing one charge of raping a girl under the age of 16 and six counts of indecent assault against a girl under the age of Sorenson, an independent councillor representing the Preesall ward on Wyre Council in Lancashire, made an initial appearance at Preston Magistrates' Court on 17 55-year-old, of Woodland Avenue in Thornton, is next due to appear at the city's Crown Court on 14 August for a pre-trial hearing. Mr Sorenson was released on bail in the meantime. The councillor was elected in 2023 when there was a clean sweep of independent candidates in the Preesall Council said it could not comment while court proceedings were ongoing. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Chester-le-Street Independent councillor joins Reform UK
An Independent councillor has defected to Reform UK, saying change was "much-needed".Chester-le-Street South councillor Paul Sexton's joining the party means it has pushed its overall majority back up to 65 councillors, following Andrew Kilburn's resignation on who has been an Independent with Durham County Council since 2017, was re-elected alongside fellow Independent councillor Bill Moist on 2 about the switch in allegiance, he said Chester-le-Street "needed a voice on the inside". Instead of sitting in opposition, he will work alongside the party's 64 other members in overall control of the previously held the role of cabinet member for adults and health services but resigned in protest at the management of the council by the former joint administration, made up of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Husband, also of Reform UK, was elected to the neighbouring Chester-le-Street North ward. Sexton said: "Reform has a huge mandate to effect the much-needed change in County Hall and I have the experience to support this initiative. "Chester-le-Street needs a voice on the inside if we're to achieve the much-needed investment that our fabulous town deserves."Local Reform officials said they expected more county councillors to join the party, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. A Reform spokesman said: "We're delighted Paul Sexton has joined us."We welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability, and meaningful change to join us." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Warwickshire Reform UK councillor to serve as an Independent
A newly-elected Reform UK councillor has switched to serve as an Independent because of his Shingler, who represents Nuneaton's Galley Common in Warwickshire, said he would be an Independent councillor for the "next 18 months" because his work meant he was unable to serve under a political organisation or a statement on social media before the polls, he apologised to electors for the "mistake".A party spokesperson said they were "confident" Shingler would sit as a councillor for the party following the end of his employment, the nature of which has not been confirmed. Shingler was elected to serve as Warwickshire County Councillor for Galley Common with 1,289 a statement on Facebook on 28 April, Shingler said he "cannot run under a political organisation, party or movement due to my employment" but it was too late to change ballot papers that linked him to Reform."If elected, I cannot stand as a Reform councillor, I will have to be an Independent councillor representing you until I leave my employment," the statement said. Shingler wrote that his message was delivered with "a heavy heart" and after "a very long few days trying to put out a fire that happened due to my mistake".He wrote: "My beliefs are still of Reform, and I will remain a Reform UK member."Shingler has not confirmed his line of work, and a party spokesperson said the councillor asked them not to disclose it since it would endanger his employment.A Reform UK spokesman added: "Due to his employment, Mr Shingler is not able to represent any party on Warwickshire Council."We are confident that he will sit as a Reform UK councillor in 18 months following the end of his employment." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
