Subscribe to one or all notification sources from this one place. Mr Khan is the complainant in the case against Councillor Hadley, where he alleged she made racist remarks during a private phone call. I have never been anti-Semitic. over claims he had posted anti-Semitic tweets. Councillors by Name. Connor Jones, the chairman for Sandwell Conservatives, was suspended on June 3 following complaints from several councillors over his conduct. Gowling WLG investigated alleged irregularities in the sale of the authority's former properties from 2011-2013, including three old public toilet blocks and a former coroner's office in Smethwick. The councillor for Rowley had replaced former Conservative group leader David Fisher who was forced to resign over offensive social media posts. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. She chose not to apologise for the tweets sent in 2018 but her claims of serious misconduct open a can of worms at an authority trying to clean up its image after years of damaging scandals. Former Cradley Heath and Old Hill councillor John Tipper, who stood down in 2016, is back as the new candidate for Old Warley. Read about our approach to external linking. He said: "I'm not anti-Semitic. The council's Tory group will instead be led by Archer Williams. A council leader has accused colleagues of racism, deceit and corruption as she resigned after being suspended over alleged anti-Semitic tweets. Ward: Newton Party: Labour Party Peter Allen Cradley Heath & Old Hill: Vicki Darby-Smith, Old Warley (two seats): John Tipper/Harnoor Bhullar. While an official statement was not issued, a spokesperson for Sandwell council told the LDRS: "We have been made aware of the matter and will be discussing the matter with the member in question. He also chaired a taskforce looking at the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities set up by Birmingham MP Liam Byrne, Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor. Liam Michael Abrahams. Labour currently dominates the authority, which has been mired in turmoil for years amid numerous investigations and scandals and changed leaders three times in 18 months. 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A source claimed to the LDRS the suspension of Mr Jones may have also been related to a series of fabrication of tweets". 2023 BBC. He is the first Conservative councillor to speak out publicly against Mr Jones. A council leader has accused colleagues of racism, deceit and corruption as she resigned after being suspended over alleged anti-Semitic tweets. Subscribe to one or all notification sources from this one place. In August, the Labour Party said it took "all complaints of racism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken". The Labour Party also launched an investigation into the borough's interim council leader, Councillor Maria Crompton. The source said: "[With Kalari cleared] I also heard higher up that they are investigating who fabricated tweets. Im confident that our new, reinvigorated team stands poised to represent our community better than ever before and together we will begin a new, positive chapter for Sandwell.. More incompetence? They include Bill Gavan, who. Local Democracy Reporter covering the Sandwell and Dudley boroughs. Police told him in November 2015 he would face no action. Conservative MP James Morris - who has long called for Mr Eling's resignation - said his leadership were the council's "darkest days". Mr Khan added: "My complaint against Joanne Hadley's racist remarks this is revenge for that.". The chairmans role in their local party is to provide guidance, leadership, and ensure the local party is working towards its agreed vision and development plan. You'll need photo ID to vote at a polling station at the Local Elections on Thursday 4 May In Sandwell we know diversity is our strength and these fresh faces will bring a wealth of lived experience to the council chamber. He said councillors Underhill, Downing and Davies were all "incredibly hardworking in their wards". Yvonne Davies resigned at the cabinet meeting. As the SKWAWKBOX broke exclusively last month, the leader of Sandwell council in the West Midlands - an ally of Tom Watson and John Spellar in the heartland of the Labour right - was dramatically suspended by the Labour Party after a lengthy investigation. More cronyism? He said the wife's penalty was cancelled, while his son's was reduced. Read about our approach to external linking. It comes after councillor Steve Melia (Lab, Great Barr with Yew Tree) knocked a phone out of the hands of a blogger and protester who was filming elected members entering a council building. 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Councillor Hadley has not responded to requests for a comment. Coronation a chance to relive history as people in region remember Queens crowning moment, Latest food hygiene ratings across the Black Country and Staffordshire - with two given zero, Only essential mowing to take place in four Birmingham wards for councils pilot project, Sister sprayed brother with chili and vinegar concoction in long-running family feud, Grass won't be mowed for a month in four Birmingham neighbourhoods, Negotiations underway to secure new police base in north of Dudley borough, Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. Two Sandwell councillors quit, claiming Labour are trying to 'cover-up corruption and cronyism'. Sandwell Council's Yvonne Davies was being investigated over tweets she posted in 2018 and was suspended by the Labour party on Monday, she said. knocked a phone out of the hands of a blogger. Jan Britton (inset) As the SKWAWKBOX reported yesterday Jan Britton, the chief executive officer of Sandwell Council - the borough at the heart of the Labour right's West Midlands stronghold - resigned yesterday from his 140,000-a-year position, a week after being placed on 'extended leave' because of what the council termed 'serious concerns'. Mr Hussain has been suspended afresh, the party confirmed. Subscribe to our daily newsletter! Councillor Melia continued to ask this question, before knocking the phone out of Mr Saunders hand. One post from August 2014 shows a cartoon image featuring a man with a Star of David symbol on his sleeve chopping up a small child. "I categorically deny that these were written by me and the views expressed, which are abhorrent, are not the ones I hold.". Labour said the new slate of candidates which includes nine women and 13 people from a BAME background will boost diversity on the council. Mr Khan told the Express & Star he was trying to highlight to political turmoil in the Middle East, in particular "Israel's bombing of Palestine". Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article. Councillor Steve Melia has been suspended, according to a Labour source, Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line. Author James Goudie QC suggested Labour's Mr Hussain committed six council code of conduct breaches. In a resignation statement Councillor Yvonne. The authority commissioned law firm Gowling WLG to investigate alleged irregularities in the sale of the authority's former properties from 2011-2013. Last month, Sandwell Council revealed it was hiring an extra member of staff to deal with complaints about elected councillors and there are currently 10 live investigations into the conduct of members. These decisions are made in London by people who have no idea about Sandwell.". His case has been referred to the National Constitutional Committee, Labour's ultimate disciplinary body. Is climate change killing Australian wine? The MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis denounced the council as a "rotten regime" in January 2018, prompting a retort from Mr Eling who branded him "a coward". I am horrified that I might even be consideredso to be," she told colleagues during the online meeting. The Labour Party said it takes all complaints of anti-Semitism "extremely seriously". "Maybe it is because I am a woman, possibly as its because I'm a strong woman," she said. A councillor allegedly recorded using racially abusive terms about a colleague has been suspended from the Labour Party, the BBC understands. Sandwell council said it had found one case and the infected person and their contacts were already self-isolating before it was confirmed. The council supports freedom of expression and speech and the rights of the press to attend council meeting that are held in public.. The run up to the 2019 elections in Sandwell was marked by allegations that Labours national office had interfered in candidate selections, amid claims that allies of then West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson had been dumped in favour of Corbynites. The leadership turmoil began in January 2019. The incident took place on Sandwell Council's property. The One Way of Bernard Street, West Bromwich will be suspended for the duration of the event. 2023 BBC. I lost all faith in the Conservative party.. Nicola Richards, Tory MP for West Bromwich East, said she was "shocked" at the content. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, denounced the council as a "rotten regime", Latest news and updates from the West Midlands, sign up for local news updates direct to your phone, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, US principal visits David sculpture after nudity row, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, Cuba cancels May Day parade because of fuel crisis. (Image: Julian Saunders) A Sandwell councillor has been suspended from the Labour party after an . Councillor Joanne Hadley claimed the recording had been altered, An email from the local Labour Party chair to all Sandwell councillors said two had been suspended. The QC suggested Mr Hussain's breaches of the Member Code included: Mr Hussain gave evidence he did not know who was buying the toilet blocks because the purchase was through a company name, not the name of his friend. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? By 2014, all but two of Sandwell's 72 councillors were Labour members. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. It is unclear why Mr Eling was suspended by the Labour party's National Executive Committee (NEC), but it is understood it is conducting a lengthy investigation. Sandwell Labour councillors will shortly need to elect a new council and Labour group leader, after Cllr Steve Trow dramatically resigned last week. READ MORE:Tipton workers earning just 9.90ph making seats for 700k McLarens to strike over 'pay cuts'. Read about our approach to external linking. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Were investigating an assault on Freeth Street in Oldbury, Sandwell around 4pm yesterday (7 December). Councillor Melia then walked past, pointed a finger at Mr Saunders and knocked the phone from his hand in what has been described as assault. The video, at time of writing, has almost 90,000 views on Twitter. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Read about our approach to external linking. a complaint had been made to Labour officials accusing Councillor Hadley of making racist comments in a private conversation. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Councillor Susan Eaves has been deselected in Rowley, although it is understood she has now been named as the candidate for Princes End. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Have I given you permission to film?". They added another year to their 48 year control of Sandwell council. The Conservative leader at Sandwell Council has been suspended over alleged abuse tweets aimed at a number of people, including Labour MP Angela Rayner. 13:26, 10 DEC 2021. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules, What Europe's royals could teach King Charles. I was humiliated. Sandwell councillor Joanne Hadley appeared to use racist language discussing fellow party member Basharat Khan in the recording of a phone call. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It was not my intention to hurt anybody.". Reasons unclear. Birmingham Hodge Hill MP accused of misusing public cash. Is climate change killing Australian wine? The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. The full list of candidates provided by the Labour Party is as follows: Wednesbury South (two seats): Kiratraj Singh/Hezera Zehora *no longer standing. "The council expects all members to abide by the standards set out in the Members code of conduct. She also claimed millions of pounds had been spent "with little regard to the public purse". The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The QC said this meant there was no misconduct issue by Mr Jones. Connor Jones, the former chairman of Sandwell Conservatives, pictured in May 2022. Julian Saunders, who blogs as Sandwell Skidder, was outside Oldbury Council House on Tuesday filming elected members ahead of a full council meeting when the incident happened. They are councillor Joanne. Is climate change killing Australian wine? The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. Indian officials wife distraught as his killer is freed, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. And in an extraordinary turn of events, Laured Kalari, the former Sandwell Conservative leader, has been cleared by the party of any wrongdoing. A parallel police investigation ended in March with no further action. The tumultuous events within the Sandwell Conservatives have cast doubt on their ability to provide a strong opposition to Sandwell Labour, who won an overwhelming majority in this years local elections. Most of Sandwell's councillors are members of the Labour Party, with the Labour party having run the council since the first election in 1973, apart from one year between 1978 and 1979 when the Conservatives had a majority. A party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of racism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.". The Labour leader of Sandwell council has stepped down from his role rather than face a vote of no confidence in March. 2. A Labour source said that Councillor Steve Melia has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party, pending investigation. Political Editor for the Express & Star. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? "The successes of Sandwell Council and needs of the community are taking second place to internal Labour Party squabbling," he added. In her resignation speech at Tuesday's cabinet meeting, she claimed "old white men" in her party "wanted to go back". I have always been faithful to the Labour Party, but at the moment I have lost my confidence in them.". Connor Jones, chairman of Sandwell Conservatives, has been suspended while Laured Kalari has been reinstated into the party, Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter. Councillor Underhill said she was planning to write to Sir Keir Starmer to demand answers, and did not rule out standing against Labour in the election. He claimed: They fought and argued with anyone from a BAME background, [and] would always belittle their ideas or statements in meetings and out of them. A leaked report also alleges Mahboob Hussain tipped off his son about the upcoming sale of a Sandwell Council property. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "For the record I am not anti-Semitic. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Former economy chief councillor Ian Jones and Mr Hussain stood down from the ruling cabinet after investigations began, but both had their suspensions from the Labour party lifted before elections on 5 May. Ward: Rowley Party: Labour Party Kacey Akpoteni. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Read about our approach to external linking. There are three independent councillors and one for the Brexit Party. A recent audit found evidence of poor behaviour and a lack of trust across the organisation which has seen six different leaders in as many years and a number of misconduct allegations made against councillors. She has denied the allegations and claims the recordings were doctored. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Eling was suspended after complaints of serious misconduct. Laured Kalari (left) has been suspended as leader of the Conservative party in Sandwell. Labour is yet to publish a full list of 24 candidates to contest the May 2022 elections, although a number of former councillors are understood to have been selected. "There's a lot of infighting in the national party and to put it bluntly I'm a casualty of war," Councillor Underhill said. Councillor Edwards, who in 2019 was the subject of a formal complaint over claims he had posted anti-Semitic tweets, was the council's longest serving member having been first elected in 1978. Mr Eling said he has been given no details of the complaint against him. Mr Jones also said he could not comment now because the report was confidential. It is unclear when this decision took place. She said she was rejected after a six-minute interview having initially been told she was unopposed in the ward. Read about our approach to external linking. Current council leader Kerrie Carmichael said her vision for Sandwell was for a borough totally focused on . ", Councillor Steve Melia (Lab, Great Barr with Yew Tree) pointed a finger at Mr Saunders, saying: "Have I given you permission to fim me. "Sandwell Conservatives does not condone any racism, misogynistic or offensive comments and will continue to work with community groups to ensure that everybody has a home in the Conservative Party," group chairman Connor Jones said. Two Peterborough councillors suspended. Current leader Councillor Crompton became Sandwell Council's fourth leader in 18 months when she took over in July last year on an interim basis. [3] He has previously dubbed the investigations a "witch-hunt" and disputed the truth of the allegations. It comes amid claims of interference in the selection process by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC), which former Sandwell MP Adrian Bailey said was having a disastrous impact on local politics. Cat-and-mouse chase with China in hotly contested sea, Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. He said they came from a fake account, and he was a victim of a bid to undermine him. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, sign up for local news updates direct to your phone, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, US principal visits David sculpture after nudity row. suspended by the Labour Party following allegations she posted anti-Semitic tweets. Councillor Davies then stood down in July last year after she was suspended by the Labour Party following allegations she posted anti-Semitic tweets. "There were no reported injuries and no property was damaged. He has not yet responded to further questions from the BBC. Mr Kalari's suspension was confirmed by the Sandwell Conservative Federation which said it was investigating the posts. It is understood that one new candidate, Hezera Zehora, has already dropped out in Wednesbury South. The suspension of Mr Jones is significant for the Sandwell Conservatives due to his role as chairman. In a statement, Mr Kalari said he would be seeking legal advice as well as contacting police and Twitter. Mr Jones gave evidence saying he did not know the relationship between Mr Hussain and the toilet blocks' buyer. Mr Kalari has had his Conservative membership returned to him. Ward: Hateley Heath Party: Labour Party Keith Allcock. Sandwell's Conservative leader urged to resign over 'distasteful' social media posts, Damning report into Sandwell council details variety of failings, Lonely with no friends and disastrous isolation caused by the pandemic, Owners of Fiat 500 cars have been given warning by police, Officers say the car model is actively being targeted by thieves at train stations, Police update after man killed and two others hurt in Rowley Regis lamppost crash, Police have issued an update on the investigation into the fatal crash, Rowley Regis lamppost crash leaves one man dead and two hurt, A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, Inside the spooky old mortuary that sold for more than double its guide price, The eerie property, sold by John Pye Auctions, sparked a bidding war, Loose Women presenter thanks viewers after fans spot health issue live on air, Jane Moore thanked viewers for their concern, I pay double the price to travel because I'm disabled - things need to change, Kelly Bloomer, from Rowley Regis, said travelling around Birmingham in a wheelchair was a 'nightmare', In pictures: Hidden Kidderminster village and its stunning woods and lake, Nature lovers near Kidderminster will adore these special woods, Pictured: Incredible postbox toppers to celebrate the King's Coronation, Crowns, beefeaters and even King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla now adorn postboxes across the region, Crafty Midlanders create postbox toppers to mark King's Coronation - here's some of the best, The cheerful creations have raised countless smiles from passers-by, Mapped - areas in and around Birmingham with the worst drivers, Areas such as Wolverhampton, Dudley, Kidderminster, Staffordshire, Bromsgrove and more have hundreds of bad drivers, Michelle Heaton shares sad photo after celebrating two years of sobriety, The Liberty X singer shared a throwback photo to the last day she drank alcohol, Hidden gem beach with golden dunes that's 'amazing in any weather' and a day trip from Birmingham, First picture of Kings Heath stabbing victim as police charge teenager with murder, Ronique Thomas, 33, was fatally stabbed on Kings Heath High Street, just before 2.30am, on Wednesday, April 26, The children's museum with a fairy tale forest caf and giant grasshoppers - just one hour from Birmingham, Kids can build dens in the gardens, pick up pre-loved books in the Jungle Bookshop and brave a Mystery Rooms Experience at the Childrens Country House at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire, Jailed in April - The latest criminals sent to prison from Birmingham and beyond, Our April 2023 roundup features a number of killers and serious sex offenders who have been locked up, Aston Villa sent 'one of the best' warning as 20m striker claim emerges, The latest Aston Villa news and views from BirminghamLive as this Villa youngster is in the headlines, The breathtaking seaside village rated one of the best in the UK is less than three hours from Birmingham, Portmeirion in North Wales has come out top in the Which? "I have no intention of joining another political party, but I could give the people of Newton the chance to vote for me as an independent," she said. Brand new buses mean farewell tour for the Sandwell Youth Bus. Senior Multi-Media Journalist@JamieB_Star. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Among the allegations she made were, cover-ups over alleged wrongdoing by unidentified colleagues, the misuse of public funds, the use of private emails to hide communications and lies being told to courts. A council leader has stepped down from his role after being suspended from the Labour Party following a "complaint". Council head steps down after election win, Coronation a chance to relive history as people in region remember Queens crowning moment, Latest food hygiene ratings across the Black Country and Staffordshire - with two given zero, Only essential mowing to take place in four Birmingham wards for councils pilot project, Sister sprayed brother with chili and vinegar concoction in long-running family feud, Grass won't be mowed for a month in four Birmingham neighbourhoods, Negotiations underway to secure new police base in north of Dudley borough, Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Steve Eling resigned as Sandwell Council leader on Wednesday, three weeks after his suspension.. A new leader will be formally elected in March and Mr Eling said he will continue to serve his ward, Abbey. A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.".
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