Rossendale Conservative councillors were warned about a series of accusations, including some described as ‘slanderous’ or ‘incorrect’, during a budget debate, and threatened with suspension if they did not withdraw and, in one case, also apologise.
During a meeting on Wednesday night (February 28), Conservatives made accusations about a Rossendale Labour councillor regarding the former Empty Homes Scheme, which has impacted on Rossendale Council’s finances. But later withdrew it.
They also claimed some Labour councillors had initially supported Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali, who was disowned by Labour over comments about the Hamas attack on Israel. That claim was also challenged and partly withdrawn.
The Mayor, Councillor Andrew Walmsley, repeatedly warned Conservative councillors Jennifer Rigby and Scott Smith about their accusations, while other councillors from Community First and Labour called for them to apologise or face suspension.
Cllr Rigby sparked controversy by claiming Labour Cllr Andrew MacNae had a key role in overseeing the former East Lancashire Empty Homes scheme.
Cllr MacNae has been selected as the Labour candidate for the Rossendale constituency at the next general election, where he will challenge current MP, Conservative Jake Berry.
Cllr Rigby earlier claimed the ruling Rossendale Labour group’s budget was ‘fantasy savings and fantasy economics’ with £1.5 million proposed in new income, but also wanting to take a further £2.8m from council reserves to plug a ‘financial black hole’.
She asked if Marl Pits Leisure Centre would be closed, or monthly bin collections or car parking charges would be introduced to generate savings or new income.
But real controversy arose when she raised the Empty Homes Scheme. That was an agreement between a Westminster government homes agency, five east Lancashire councils and a property management agency, AAAW. Rossendale Council was the ‘accountable body’.
Problems arose in 2015 when AAAW collapsed following the council’s refusal to provide financial assistance.
At one point, Lancashire Police was asked by Rossendale Council to conduct an investigation but found no evidence of criminality.
At this week’s budget meeting, Cllr Rigby said it was easy to blame central government or others for past issues or current financial challenges.
But she added: “The truth is the empty homes scandal, overseen by Cllr MacNae, will have cost residents £12 million by the time the scheme ends in December.”
Some councillors in the meeting reacted with comments such as ‘that is slander’, and Cllr MacNae rejected Cllr Rigby’s accusation.
He said: “It’s completely and utterly untrue to say I oversaw that scheme. I ask the councillor to withdraw the suggestion.
"The Empty Homes Scheme came under the housing portfolio. I never had that portfolio. I had the economic regeneration, leisure and tourism portfolio. Simple as that.”
But Cllr Rigby claimed Cllr MacNae was the relevant portfolio holder and she would not withdraw her comments.
The Mayor asked for clarification about roles in the past from council officers.
He then said: “I have been informed that the portfolio-holder was Helen Jackson at that time. So can I ask for the statement to be withdrawn.”
However Cllr Rigby refused to back down, and said: “I’m not going to withdraw my comment. He was on the cabinet. He was responsible.”
The Mayor said: “The point you raised has been identified as incorrect. May I suggest you think again about withdrawing the comment.”
Then Cllr Rigby said: “As a member of the cabinet, he was part of the team that oversaw the empty homes scheme.”
But the Mayor said that was not Cllr Rigby’s original comment. He added: ” Can I clarify you have agreed to withdraw that statement?”
Cllr Rigby replied: “I’m happy to withdraw the original statement and amend to the words just said.”
She said the £12million could have been spent in other ways such as on parks, property in various boroughs or leisure centres.
But the Mayor said: “You have made two statements tonight which have been corrected, regarding portfolio holders, and the £12 million was £10 million.
"I feel your statements are personal attacks on Cllr MacNae, I would ask you to think seriously about how you continue to make your statements.”
Rossendale Council deputy leader, Labour Cllr Jackie Oakes, said: “There have been several enquiries about the Empty Homes Scheme, all of which cleared councillors of responsibility.
"I’m not sure what Cllr Rigby is trying to say?"
Cllr Rigby replied: “Clearing someone of criminal responsibility and political responsibility are two different things.”
Coun Oakes said: “This is getting quite serious now.”
‘APOLOGISE OR FACE SUSPENSION’
Then Community First Cllr Alan Neal spoke. He said: “Can I formally request Cllr Rigby withdraws the comments and gives a personal apology to Andy MacNae.
"I think it’s shameful. In 36 years of sitting in this chamber, I have never heard such as disgraceful attack. If Cllr Rigby refuses, I will move she is suspended.”
Cllr Rigby said: “I’m happy to withdraw my statement.”
Deputy Mayor Cllr Judith Driver agreed with Cllr Neal’s call, saying Cllr Rigby should be suspended or removed unless she gave a full and sincere apology.
Cllr Rigby said: “I’m happy to withdraw the comment.”
The Mayor said: “I think the request was for an apology.”
Cllr Rigby said: “I’m happy to withdraw and apologise.”
ROCHDALE BY-ELECTION ‘UN-TRUTHS’
More controversy came when Conservative Cllr Scott Smith accused Rossendale Labour councillors of having a ‘back to the the future’ attitude, and claimed some backed Jeremy Corbyn in 2017 and 2019.
He said: “Some who backed Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, not once but twice, are the same councillors who backed [county] councillor Azhar Ali to be the next Rochdale MP.
"The same councillors who paraded with him at his campaign launch.”
But Cllr Alan Neal objected again. He said: “This is clearly not true.
"Can I ask Cllr Smith to withdraw the comments, in-line with protocol, or I will formally request he is suspended or restricted from taking any further part.
“I realise this is what they do in Westminster, with propagating un-truths. But this is not acceptable in this chamber.
"Councillors need to show a little more respect to councillors and, more importantly, to the people of Rossendale.”
The Mayor said: “Can councillors ensure all comments are relevant to the business of this council tonight. Issues relevant to the budget.”
Labour Cllr Adrian Lythgoe attacked the Conservative group over their lack of an alternative budget.
He said: “This is pathetic. We are just getting cheap comments from the Conservatives that have nothing to do with Rossendale.
"Why have they have not put forward an alternative budget tonight? Can they not be bothered? Is it too much hard work?”
Cllr Smith said he would withdraw his comments ‘based on relevance but not on fact’.
In a vote on the budget, the majority of councillors voted in favour of the Labour adminstration’s plans. Conservatives voted against.
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