HartlepoolPost Forum

A meeting has been called to debate the position of the Ceremonial Mayor to take place on 13th October. Apparently, Stephen Akers-Belcher has agreed to it.

Official Notice:

Please note that the Mayor has agreed to hold an extraordinary meeting of the Council on Monday 13th October at 7pm. 

The motion that is to be considered on that evening, following a requisition received from five members of the Council is:

"That this council believes the dismissal for 'gross misconduct' of the Mayor by Newcastle Council, in conjunction with his stated aim of legal action against that council, has undermined confidence in him as the first citizen of the town and that this on-going and very public situation is causing significant reputational damage to the council as well and undermining our relationship with a key strategic, regional partner.

Council therefore resolves that:
•   The Mayor is advised to take a leave of absence from all civic duties, until such time as his legal dispute with Newcastle City Council is resolved.
•   In the interim the Deputy should assume all civic responsibilities of the Mayoral office.
•   Should his dismissal for 'gross misconduct' be overturned the Mayor should be return to his role immediately with council's full support.
•   If the dismissal is upheld then Council resolves to hold a vote of no-confidence in the Mayor.

An appropriate agenda will follow in due course.

Quote from: admin on September 29, 2014, 05: PM
A meeting has been called to debate the position of the Ceremonial Mayor to take place on 13th October. Apparently, Stephen Akers-Belcher has agreed to it.

Only because it was made clear that no UKIP representive be allowed to speak!

If ever there were a time to have a "Full Council Chamber" Monday 13th of October is it.

"Posters from this site & the Mails comments section, along with members of the general public have a real opportunity to see at first hand just how shambolic the "TorLab Mob" are.

Why are the Councillors not considering a vote of no confidence in general?

If they believe they are there to represent the views of the residents, the time has come for that?

I for one will be there. I just hope a lot of other posters who are unhappy with this will also attend.

As the saying goes "the more the merrier"

There are a lot of keyboard warriors here and on the mails website, maybe now is the time for them to actually go outside and make their way to this meeting.

Will there be any UKIP members in the audience ?

If I had a purple jacket, ?I would wear in for a laugh.

Kipperdip, will you be bringing lots of UKIP friends to cheer and boo too ?

Will any of our town councillors on this forum be calling for the meeting to be moved to a bigger venue asap ?

Thanks.

Quote from: Land Phil on October 08, 2014, 10: PM
Will any of our town councillors on this forum be calling for the meeting to be moved to a bigger venue asap ?

Thanks.

Can't see it, the Mob won't want the public to see what they get up to, hopefully it will be recorded ?

I have emailed the HBC CEO & Borough Solicitor to request a move to a larger venue, given the likelihood of an increase in the normal attendance it would be prudent of them to look into it.

No doubt in his final speech he will play the gay card.

I have it on good authority......the meeting venue.......will not be changed, the powers that be cannot envisage more than 90 people wanting to attend for the debate.

Maybe I need to go Specsavers but I can't any content about the Meeting on the online version of the Mail, hey they have only just returned, have they been on the phone to Joy already ?

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/get-there-early-warning-as-full-house-expected-at-meeting-on-future-of-hartlepool-s-mayor-1-6882924

Fred, as much as I hope I'm proved wrong, I actually think the usual venue of the council chamber will be sufficient.

Granted there seems to be a lot of disgruntled people expressing their views over social media, but actually taking the time to get down there a show their frustration in person is a different thing altogether.

The only time I've seen it busy (which didn't involve a planning issue) in recent years was the 'faith bus' situation when parents and staff from English Martyrs packed it out.

Although as I say, I hope I'm wrong.

Personally I still think we might see a sensible decision from Stephen Akers-Belcher prior to Monday.

It's well known within HBC that ITV, the BBC, The Chronicle, The Mail, and other regionals will be there.

I've even heard a whisper that someone from Private Eye maybe on the Grand Central heading North on Monday.

If this meeting actually goes ahead it'll be a car crash for the Labour Party.

If the cameras record a 'debate' with Allan Barclay, Marjorie James, Ged Hall et al on one side, taking on Brash, Thompson, myself and others on the other, it'll shine a very bright light on the level of political acumen currently responsible for running our town.

I actually hope it does go ahead. This meeting if publicised correctly could be the catalyst needed to wake up the silent majority in time for May.

I still think they might bottle it and he'll go voluntarily over the next few days. That would be by far the best thing to save what's left of our council's reputation.

It'll actually be the best thing for the reputation of the Labour Party in Hartlepool.







 

Quote from: DRiddle on October 09, 2014, 03: PM

I still think they might bottle it and he'll go voluntarily over the next few days.

As we speak a desperate search is going on for an 'unrelated' (health?) issue that  forces the Dear Leader's Consort to relinquish his role for a short period. Given his history of waddling away from any conflict  (MRA Trustee and his Parade through the town) I suspect a funk is on the horizon

Quote from: mk1 on October 09, 2014, 04: PM

Quote from: DRiddle on October 09, 2014, 03: PM

I still think they might bottle it and he'll go voluntarily over the next few days.

As we speak a desperate search is going on for an 'unrelated' (health?) issue that  forces the Dear Leader's Consort to relinquish his role for a short period. Given his history of waddling away from any conflict  (MRA Trustee and his Parade through the town) I suspect a funk is on the horizon

Is being an extremely "Fat Boy" considered to be a "Medical Reason"????

"The Deary Me Leader" would appear to have first hand knowledge of "Medical Problems" that can cause an absence from "Gainful Employment"????

Personnaly i think they will attempt to bluff it out, but if the rest of "The Mob" want to retain any credibility, they should be seriously considering their positions in backing the Dynamic Duo.

My prediction for Monday, based upon the press release from HBC for Stephens Ball at the end of the month visit (Mayors Ball thread).

The meeting will be well attended by Stephens friends and family, however those assembled will be particularly well behaved, probably with the odd snigger, the odd tut tut, the odd scowl or two directed at those that oppose Stephens stance.

The Mayor will open preceding, then stand aside ready to answer in a pre-rehearsed way the questions put to him. The Deputy to take over, with the full support and prior briefing by Council Officers as to what to allow to be answered. The questions will be defended by all the Labour members.

A vote will be taken, Cllr Ray Wells (also briefed beforehand by the Labour members) will vote and favor, the same as the Labour members. The opposition Cllr's will certainly try, however Council Officers will be taking notes for those that will be sat on the naughty stair for the months ahead.

UKIP even though they have been offered a golden opportunity to shine, referencing UKIPS mention in recent press reports, of which I am lead to believe both a Criminal inquire and a Council investigation is underway,however with all this recent ammunition will remain in a state of numbness (if the two UKIP Cllr's read this thread and want to prove this prediction wrong, well grow some and SPEAK UP!).

The meeting will end, Council Officers in attendance and those Officers typing and doing admin afterwards will be counting the extra wage paid as overtime at the end of the month, the Mayor will throw a thank-you get together directly afterwards.

Any thoughts UKIP?

Don't be surprised if it all over in five minutes. An early resolution supporting the Mayor and it's all over. So much for democracy

I'm very pleased to hear that some of the councillors have managed to force a meeting today to discuss the mayor's position - which I believe is becoming more untenable by the day.

I think it's time the Mayor resigned as the council is in an absolute mess. Hartlepool Council is a laugh stock under this administration.

It's not just failure on the mayor's part but the whole way the council is run. Look at what has happened under this leadership;

•   The Mayor has been sacked from his day job for gross misconduct but yet continues to bury his head in the sand and says he carries on no matter how embarrassing it is for the local authority.
•   The Mayor, the labour and conservative leaderships are facing a police investigation with accusations of bullying a radio station for just having me come on the radio station as a candidate for next year's general election.
•   Scrapping of the 1.5 million local plan which has left Hartlepool open to a planning free for all on housing and wind turbines that is a major threat to the green belt.
•   The long running scandal of manor residence association. Involving various labour people. 
•   Labour councillors vote to increase their own councillor allowances when everyone else is struggling. What planet are these people on?

The whole council is an utter shambles the mayor should resign and frankly the whole leadership of the council should go too.

Phillip Broughton UKIP PPC for Hartlepool

Are you going to the meeting tonight ? I very much doubt that our current MP will be there.....

So how will the two UKIP Councilors be voting?

Quote from: crisstw on October 13, 2014, 01: PM
Are you going to the meeting tonight ? I very much doubt that our current MP will be there.....

Yes it amazes me our MP doesn't get involved or comment on local politics, is he embarrassed by the mob ? The Mail never asks him for comments re council policy etc. I think he thinks he is now the big I am, local politics is below him now, watch out next year, you might be looking at accountancy position again.

What an absolute disgrace!

As for a certain councillor's threat.... well that just shows the arrogance of the labour party!

Unbelievable!

Foggy, who threatened who?

What happened, i have been out of town for a while?

Could someone please update how the meeting went or didnt!!!!!!!!!

SAB was on tonight's Look North - most unimpressive - came over as a whimpering six year old complaining to his mother that all the other kids were against him.

Cranny made clear threats to David Riddle, two senior Officers had to get between him and Riddle. 

Did DRiddle touch a nerve with Mr Cranney??? :)

Quote from: Lord Elpus on October 13, 2014, 08: PM
Cranny made clear threats to David Riddle, two senior Officers had to get between him and Riddle.

I presume it is all on camera and we will get to see it. I  know the next Private Eye mention is going to be SABs sacking and  thus Cranny is going to have to wait for his turn.

I knew it was going to be a car crash but I guess the naive side of me was hopeful that the councillors would see sense and come round to a logical outcome.....They "againsts" should be ashamed of themselves, I actually felt sorry for Mary Fleet, she looked like a rabbit in headlights and kept looking over to the labour side of the room looking for approval and direction of what to do next....completely stitched up in my opinion.

As for the labour/Tory councillors.....Shame on you, sooner or later this will turn round and bite every single one of you in the backside.....You have publicly sentenced this town to ridicule and embarrassment and I hope you sleep soundly tonight in that knowledge....

And Marjorie Graham, what a rude and ignorant woman you are......I'm glad that you, Alan Clark and Alan Barclay found the whole thing funny....Arrogant and ignorant is the best description of your actions...

Well if threats were made, where were the police?

What was it for? 

Hope David is OK, he is a new father.  Sorry but can people really ru(i)n the council like this?

Hope the police will be involved and stop such antics.  It is the only way things are going to be resolved.  Just too much going on ignored and if the police do not act, then obviously, it will just resort to violence, even in the council chamber.  Wonder if the media will cover that bit?

Carl Richadson gave a brilliant impersonation of Nicolae Ceaușescu tonight, backed up by Mad Dog playing the part of Elena  Ceaușescu.

Although she was a bit wooden reading out the prepared question, not a lot of spontaneity.

Stubbs part in all this was a disgrace. It was a very rehearsed question and answer between James and Stubbs. Looks like you've sold your soul for a pension Dave and the sooner you are gone the better - sad end to a 40 year career.

My first time in the council chambers tonight, probably be the last! I suppose with having no political bias, I can say with a great deal of honesty what disgraceful scenes the majority of elected party members, fellow townsfolk, believe it or not, displayed tonight!

I thought this meeting was about right from wrong, honesty and integrity above political bias, or gain. How wrong I was! 

This town has descended into total degradation, you wouldn't witness such scenes of contempt and imbecilic behaviour in a school yard, yet alone a council chamber. Snorts of derision and sniggering from one side of the chamber displayed absolutely disgraceful behaviour from some.

Unfortunately, to cap it all off Kevin Cranney thought is was Saturday night down in Church Street, after he made an ungracious attempt to accost David Riddle. After the harrowing events of the past week or so, I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed and I eluded this to Dave Stubbs, that kind of behaviour is shockingly unacceptable in Church Street, never mind the council chamber.

I have absolutely no idea where this elected town council goes next, we are the laughing stock of the country and no doubt the Cranney set-too will go viral soon enough!
#appalled 

     

Aside from the main event of the evening there was a little side show which I am not sure a lot of people witnessed.

When the councillors were taking their seats Ray Martin - Wells strolled over to the Tory table and switched his and Brenda Loynes name cards (loudly) then looked proudly at the public with a smug grin on his face. Judging by his expression I can only assume he didn't wish to sit next to Geoff Lilley.

No Ray... we weren't laughing with you... we were laughing AT you!!

It was a complete travesty of the democratic process... a loaded question by Marge intended to stiffle a proper debate, it almost did, although the debate came from only one direction.

Carl, he of the Big Red Face attemted to bully & bluster the speakers into submission, but only managed to show everyone present that he is all wind & p**s.

Poor old Mary Fleet i felt sorry for her, "The Mob" set her up, & for that alone they deserve condemnation.

Her first thought & glance was to her left...  a what do i do now look that was noticed by all present, she did allow several further contributions by P Thompson, D Riddle & G Lilley, all to no avail, apart from making The Mob look like a platoon of "Stasi Henchmen"... they even had a number of the audience behaving like baying lap dogs in support of their disgraceful bid to circumvent the democratic process.

Goodness knows what the local & national press will make of the display by The Mob, once again they have shown how badly Hartlepool needs to get rid of Labour, tonights display has given even greater scope for UKIP to put an end to the flaccid "Members" parliamentary career.

Raymundo & his 2 acolytes did the usual & backed "The Mob" to the hilt, what the bloody hell Tory Central Office make of the unequivical supprt given to Labour is any ones guess.

Hopefully the camera will have picked up on Cranney losing the plot completely, only the deputy CEO stopped him getting into a confrontation with a couple of the proposers of the motion.......another one of The Mob to show himself up for what he is.

What a shower of s**t we have running the town....... only In Hartlepool & Only Under The TorLab Mob

Quote from: Lucy Lass-Tick on October 13, 2014, 08: PM
SAB was on tonight's Look North - most unimpressive - came over as a whimpering six year old complaining to his mother that all the other kids were against him.

See it here from 13:18  :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04l2mg2/look-north-north-east-and-cumbria-13102014

The Mail have an article on it and it is very obvious from  the tone that the Love-in with Labour is finished.

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/it-s-business-as-usual-bid-to-oust-mayor-of-hartlepool-fails-1-6894090


I just checked the viewing figures and the numbers are way up tonight, 160 guests as I write.

For those that missed it. SAB's interview on BBC Look North.

Unbelievably, he repeats the claimed that he was dismissed over 'whistle-blowing'. Newcastle City Council will be fuming.

Interview starts at 13:15

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04l2mg2/look-north-north-east-and-cumbria-13102014

"The meeting ended with Cllr Kevin Cranney threatening Cllr David Riddle in full view of the public and other councillors and officers leaving several of those council officers having to restrain him. In a twisted way it was an appropriate end to the proceedings removing any remaining, lingering doubts within the public ranks that the present ruling Labour Group is in any way fit to govern this town."

Got it in one

Not according to Dave Stubbs?

Quote from the Mail article...

...Labour councillor Marjorie James asking the council's chief executive Dave Stubbs if, as the motion had said, the row with Newcastle City Council had damaged the reputation of the local authority.

She said: "The assumption is made in the motion that significant reputational damage has been caused. Can the chief executive confirm there has been any damage to our relationship with Newcastle City Council as a strategic partner?"

Mr Stubbs replied: "Our relationship with Newcastle City Council is as good as it has ever been."

At that point, Coun James then read a statement which said: "In view of that response, the motion has no substance or merit."

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/council-chief-disappointed-by-behaviour-of-councillors-during-meeting-1-6894113

Well I wonder how disappointed or agreeable Newcastle City Council will be that they were not asked for a quote when the question was apparently pre-prepared.  Then on the TV clip, it makes Newcastle City Council look like they are breaking the law by sacking a whistle blower. 

I think that Dave Stubbs should call the police in to investigate this thoroughly as after all, he does state he was disappointed with the behaviour of the councillors.  He is supposed to lead by example and if he has no control, he should turn to those who can do something to restore faith.

What did Cranney say to Riddle ?

"There were shouts of 'shame' and 'disgrace' as events unfolded and many others as the public bore witness to what is now little more than a sham of a council. Those people will now tell their families and friends of what they have seen and the result will not be good for Labour or Iain Wright as the party continues to self-destruct under the leadership of Christopher Akers-Belcher."

Any chance of a video?

Does anyone know if Mr Riddle is going to take the matter further regarding Clr Cranny behaving like a f*n*y. ?

Ive just noticed that it has blocked the word I was using, basically it rhymes with Cranny..........., if you are still struggling its something inbetween a womens legs.  ;D

Whilst ime on the subject has anyone not noticed how easy it is to make songs up that Rhyme With Cranny.

Here's a few Examples......

1 Cranney Get Your Gun
2 Cranma We Love You
3 Cranney's Got A Brand New Bag
4 You Cannot Shove Your Cranney off The Bus


He has even starred in some well known movies whilst juggling his hard work as a Councillor just look at his more recent roles. 

Cranney Mcphee 2005
Kevin Cranney stars as a Councillor who uses magic to rein in the behavior of seven ne'er-do-well Labour children in his charge.

The Cranney Diaries 2007
Cranney sets up a new business (again) as goes to work as a nanny for a rich New York family. Ensconced in their home, he has to juggle their dysfunction, a new romance, and the spoiled brat in is charge also staring Stephen Ackers Belcher as the Brat.

Cranney Mcphee Returns 2010
Cranney McPhee arrives (Unwanted obviously) to help a harried young mother who is trying to run down the family business while her husband is away at war, so he uses his magic to teach the woman's children and their two spoiled cousins five new lessons in running a business into the ground and how to claim government grants.

:P

We have another

Run Cranney Run 2007

"Cranney D" Haddock is the nation's oldest political newcomer. At 90 (he is getting on abit you know), he laced up his sneakers and walked across the UK to rally against the influence of big money in elections that is not going through his many companies, -making both friends and enemies inside the Local Labour Party. Now 94 after exhausting all his threats and tantrums and still fed up with politics as usual, he jumps at an unexpected chance to run for Councillor. With just four months until Election Day, Crannney and his motley crew of political aces and amateurs craft a feisty campaign that personifies his warped and sick ideals of a government.

Gangsta Cranney 2013

A young bored boy spending time with his dull Cranney decide to set up a new business with Companies House and steal the Mayors Ceremonial Chains after finding out his Cranney used to run a similar business that went bust.

Ill leave it at that for now

Another excellent write up by you guys which not only gives me the facts of the matter but also a real feel for the meeting. My thanks too go to whoever produce the video which will let so many more people see what went on almost as if they had been there. This is the internet at its most informative and it is changing society.

http://www.hartlepoolpost.co.uk

Cranney by gaslight, the victorian drama.

I would be pleased if you were right marky, but what you will find is reflected in the comments by lynda on this forum last night in her separate CLOSING AND SIGNING OFF statements.  This victim has had enough, the strain is too much and watching the power being abused in the name of politics scares people off, including away form the ballot boxes. 

To think that there is this big thing about youths hanging around on streets in hoodies intimidating the good folk of the town, then think about their role models in the council.  This is not just councillors, it is officers.  Everyone who sat and allowed last night to happen, without thought for victims of Manor Residents for examples should be ashamed of themselves.

To think a few thousand pounds per year is raised for charity by the hard working supporters of the labour party and people thinking they are doing good by the town by giving to the Mayor's charity, again think again.  As noted on the TV, it is guise to promote a good guy (edited out)
Sorry but this is an absolute disgrace and to watch councillors and officers stand back and let this happen when the vote was obvious: if you have one side with 11 people and one side with 19, it is obvious the vote is going to go against the motion.  It should be renamed a COMMOTION!

It's a bit like this:

https://uk.celebrity.yahoo.com/gossip/omg/judy-finnigan-has-apologised-for-insensitive-rape-comments-made-on-loose-women--but-itv-refuse-to-075217019.html

People should think about victims first and the priority is the people of Hartlepool.   

I couldn't make last night's 'show' but thanks to those that made the video.
What a shame the 'altercation' by Cranney doesn't appear to have been captured.
That would have made excellent prosecution evidence.  :)

What we are witnessing is Rome burning whilst Nero fiddles.
Both Labour and their bed-mates the Tories know everything is going pear-shaped and they are in a state of panic.

Where was our faceless MP? Where are his comments on this debacle, or indeed, any of the other debacles we have witnessed over the last number of years?  ::)

I think PHILLIP BROUGHTON could have scored a point or three by attending the chamber last night (or at some time in the future).
It allows people to SEE him showing an interest in the town's proceedings.  ;)

I hope that the leaders of PHF and UKIP can get their heads together and play a tactical blinder in the next elections.
Swallow your respective pride and work it out between yourselves for the good of the town. (That's what you claim you are all about).

We have to get rid of the Stalinist, anti democratic forces running amok in that chamber.  >:(
I only hope Newcastle City Council officers have some input after the comments last night, as it was intimated THEY could be lying over the Belcher affair.

I can't believe he was sacked for 'taking a day off for HBC duties'.
The same as I don't believe he was sacked for 'whistle blowing'.
I believe a more serious charge is behind his 'gross misconduct' dismissal.....roll on the day of reckoning.

Speaking of day of reckoning, where is the progress from both the police and Charity Commission into the Manor Residents investigation?
£600,000 adrift and the trail appears to have gone cold.

Two trustees, appointed to oversee financial probity, allow staff to be paid below the legal limit and resign after all the charity money disappears.
Surely there has got to be a day of reckoning for all of these people?

As Fred would say; only in Hartlepool and only under the Tor/Lab mob.  >:(

Christine, your posts are rambling nonsense. Do you drive? If so how the hell do you manage to stick to the road in front of you?

I've always had a slight interest in politics and wondered if I did get involved if I could make any sort of difference and have always thought

'No. You won't make any difference. There's too many cliques who scratch each others backs to make sure they have the power, they have the say and the little guy is powerless.'

Well, for the first time in my 31 years on this planet, living in this town, this little guy wants to get involved, because this town, with this leadership is becoming more than a farce. It's time for the little guys to stand up and make their loud voices heard.

"We are in an era of a very low ebb with our opposition," Stephen Akers-Belcher

Now let's see:

• Walks away from Manor Residents as a Trustee 3 days after he appears in The Mail telling the world he was in it for the 'long-haul' leaving Wilcox still in charge with debts of £600,000
• Votes with his Labour colleagues, including Wilcox, condemning employers who pay less than the minimum wage
• Obtained a handy donation from Mandelson for mowing his lawn
• Paid a nice lad at the Rifty cash-in-hand with no tax or N.I contributions leaving a council officer to report it to their line manager because they felt 'uncomfortable' about it
• Gets caught out throwing a sickie and fabricates malicious claims against another authority in retaliation
• Reports a wholly imagined fight at a gypsy meeting first to The Mail and then to the Police when he wasn't even involved or affected by it.
• Threatens a local radio station after they give air time to a political opponent

etc, etc, etc

Yea those opposition guys are right bas**ar*s.

Absolutely SteveL.

Shows that last night was not needed if the Officers took note of the unacceptable behaviour of Councillors and vice versa.  This should not be simply swept under the carpet as all fun and frolics in the name of politics.  It is gross misconduct and corruption/criminal offences.

The Officers last night were far from heroes who restored order. 

Glad to see that mrb may look to get involved and offering a big welcome. 

More people needed. 

United we stand, divided we fall.

You forgot the Labour Party investigation (by the now completely silent on the matter hospital campaigner Kieth Fisher) into claims underage youths were supplied with alcohol by one SAB.

Previous example of a claim he was  not for turning and  his complete volte-face some 3 days later.

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/827/4es4.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/mz4es4j)

After watching the video.... it made the Wheel Tappers and Shunters Social Club look like a debate at the  Oxford Union in comparson.

Quote from: steveL on October 14, 2014, 08: PM
"We are in an era of a very low ebb with our opposition," Stephen Akers-Belcher

Now let's see:

• Walks away from Manor Residents as a Trustee 3 days after he appears in The Mail telling the world he was in it for the 'long-haul' leaving Wilcox still in charge with debts of £600,000
• Votes with his Labour colleagues, including Wilcox, condemning employers who pay less than the minimum wage
• Obtained a handy donation from Mandelson for mowing his lawn
• Paid a nice lad at the Rifty cash-in-hand with no tax or N.I contributions leaving a council officer to report it to their line manager because they felt 'uncomfortable' about it
• Gets caught out throwing a sickie and fabricates malicious claims against another authority in retaliation
• Reports a wholly imagined fight at a gypsy meeting first to The Mail and then to the Police when he wasn't even involved or affected by it.
• Threatens a local radio station after they give air time to a political opponent

etc, etc, etc

Yea those opposition guys are right bas**ar*s.

    Having watched the video of the fiasco in the Council Chamber 13/10/14 few come out with any credit.   Well done to the five councillors who brought proposition and to those who voted for it. Shame on the rest.!!!

    My first thought afterwards reminded me of the words of a David Essex song along the lines "Oh what a circus, Oh what a show". A right pantomine if it wasn't so serious.

    Watching the actions of the ill at ease CEO Mr.Stubbs reminded me of a quote made by him at a Council meeting  some years ago ( when he held a lower position than now) whereby he stated "the Hartlepool  Mail is not noted for it's veracity"  a word which I had to look up.   Please do the  same if you are not familiar with it.  You will see that we now have a classic case of people living in glass houses throwing stones.   It is fair to say the said expression can be now be applied  replacing "Hartlepool Mail" with the "Labour group and its leaders"

     As a footnote I felt sorry for Coun.Fleet who was completely out of her depth as Chair. with few  attempts made to keep order or control the meeting  Mind you a lion tamer would of had his work cut out seeing the mindset of the Lab/Con.  coalition.

Yes councillor Riddel has launched a complaint through the proper channels, as have several other councillors including UKIP. The complaints have been recorded and acknowledged.

Anyone who witnesed the disgraceful behaviour of cranney can make an official complaint......just email Mr P Devlin Borough Solicitor.

Mine went it on Monday......the councils code of conductn is something else "The TorLab Mob" abuse.

Lets see how many people actually take the time to send that simple email ......

Putting Mary Fleet in that position was a craven act of cowardice by The Mob........ where were Cranney or Richardson or Jackson or Payne or James........ the poor woman was left to be ridiculed & they didn't give a monkey's ......

Only in Hartlepol & Only under "The Mob"

The UKIP councillors did have a statement to make, and it would have went much further than a request for the mayor to stand down until his appeal had been heard, you must remember council meetings have to be conducted much like a court of law the problem was with UKIP and the other councillors on the day was labours narrow frame of reference you could not combine gross misconduct with the Hartlepool radio fiasco, you can only combine them by getting it in before someone stops you which they did, and they did the main problem though was in the small print, it stated the mayor's gross misconduct had damaged the council's relationship with Newcastle council labours motion to the Dave Stubbs said there was no damage so all labour had to do was get it to a vote which they did and the rest as they say is history, one other snippet councillor Payne has been deselected by labour but still voted with them tribal loyalty. Voting for anyone but labour will restore democracy the polling stations will be open in May.

If  either of the UKIP councillors had a statement to make they certainly didn't indicate it at any point during the meeting, either during the opening statements or during the 'debate' that followed.

It was interesting to note that not a single councillor stood up and either praised or attempted to defend the ceremonial mayor on Monday. Not a single bit of praise... So despite the fact that the faithful sheep fell into line and did as told to save him, the absence of any form of defense/praise was very telling.

SRMoore, UKIP really do need to stick their heads up a little more in town and in the Council chamber, its my belief that if they do they could gain more seats in May and a good chance at the rate the Labour/Tory alliance are going here in Hartlepool to be seated as the towns new MP.

It must be quite embarrassing for you as a Tory SRMoore, knowing your current party Cllrs in Hartlepool agree with everything Labour want them to. Does the national arm of your party know whats going on here in town?, you should put yourself forward. 

I'm not angry with them but very disappointed... Again!

It seems clear to me that the 'cunning' plan was put together jointly by Stubbs and the Akers-Belchers/Richardson. As Mary is the official deputy Mayor it would have looked very strange if anyone but Mary had taken the Chair but Mary was Labour's weak spot. Everything depended on the Chair agreeing with Labour's tactic and when Mary started to wobble, swayed by the public gallery, Richardson promptly stood up and told her that the decision was not for the public to make but for elected members.

If she had allowed a full debate she would have got it in the neck from Labour afterwards so we ended up with a hybrid, disorganised mess.

Stubbs is a real disgrace - sold his soul for a pension.

Just had an e-mail from Danny saying that the number of visitors to the site since Monday has doubled. It will only be a temporary thing but it shows that a lot of people are interested in what's going on.

If Cranney paid back all of the public money he's wasted over the years through his 21 companies then it could have a significant impact on reducing the Government deficit.

Quote from: SRMoore on October 15, 2014, 02: PM
If  either of the UKIP councillors had a statement to make they certainly didn't indicate it at any point during the meeting, either during the opening statements or during the 'debate' that followed.

I saw George Springer put his hand up to speak once, along with many others on that side of the chamber, following Brash and Thompson's statements.  However, Mary Fleet looked at them looking a little confused and invited Marjorie James to read out her prepared statement instead.  Although to be fair, I never saw Springer's hand go up again after that.

One of the most telling moments for me was when Jonathan Brash asked Mary Fleet if she felt the matter had been sufficiently discussed and he was met with deafening silence.  I looked across towards the Labour lot and Kaylee Sirs put her head in her hands!! A significant sign that their big plan had failed!!

I wouldn't make too much of UKIP's silence on Monday. The opportunities to speak were severely curtailed and we only heard what we did because several councillors used points of order to slyly slip in parts of what they really wanted to say. In a true debate, every councillor would have been given the chance to throw in their two-penneth. Remember the meeting was over with in an hour and a normal council meeting can go on until 9pm so there was plenty of time to hold a full debate.

Time was not the issue here. This was all about Labour's attempt to cut short the debate. You either allow a full debate or you don't. There is no allowance in the constitution for 'a limited debate', especially in a meeting with only one discussion item, but a limited debate is what we ended up with here.

A telling point that someone else made was that no one in the Labour ranks spoke up in defence of SAB. This was because everything had been based on their plan to stifle the debate - all eggs in one basket.

There were some very uncomfortable people in the Labour ranks on Monday - Robbie Payne's head never left his hands and rightly so. Shame on the lot of them.

Quote from: Foggy on October 15, 2014, 05: PM

Quote from: SRMoore on October 15, 2014, 02: PM
If  either of the UKIP councillors had a statement to make they certainly didn't indicate it at any point during the meeting, either during the opening statements or during the 'debate' that followed.

I saw George Springer put his hand up to speak once, along with many others on that side of the chamber, following Brash and Thompson's statements.  However, Mary Fleet looked at them looking a little confused and invited Marjorie James to read out her prepared statement instead.  Although to be fair, I never saw Springer's hand go up again after that.

If that is the case then I'll stand corrected. I, personally, did not see George or Tom raise a hand or make any other indication that they wished to speak.

Shane your comment about sheep must be a wind up as that's how your lot acted as well

How typical of you Shane to try and have a poke at UKIP over their silence when you as a Hartlepool Tory have a far bigger problem to defend. UKIP voted with the motion - and your 3 councillors did what exactly?

Shane,

That is pathetic mate, at least UKIP had the balls to vote with the motion.  The Tories on the other hand are in the Labour Parties pocket, bet Carl and Mad Dog can't believe their luck. So don't try and tell me there's not a rabbit off?  What's in it for Ray?

Clav - I believe I referred to all of the "faithful sheep".

How typical of you, Steve to immediately go on the attack against me for stating that I had not seen either UKIP councillor make any indication that they wanted to make a statement. I was also all to happy to accept that I may have been wrong when Foggy stated otherwise. Tom [Hind] knows me better than most on here and he knows that if I had anything to criticise him for I'd tell him to his face. Indeed, I applaud the two UKIP councillors for voting in favour of the motion.

It's just a shame there are far too many here who are far too quick to attack me for daring to contribute and continually give me abuse for the actions of others and accusing me of defending them when I have done no such thing.

But hey, that's what happens when you let your blind hatred for someone/something get the better of you.

I didn't attack you I said you where winding people up I maybe I should have put a smiley face with it and it's good to see you finally have stated ray is a follower of the scabs

Quote from: SRMoore on October 15, 2014, 09: PM
I applaud the two UKIP councillors for voting in favour of the motion.

I assume by your quote that you are in favour of the motion.  Now let us hear your condemnation of the Conservative councillors who once again voted with Labour, if you have the moral courage to do so, then perhaps people might be kinder to you when commenting on your posts.  Let us see you stand up and show the world what a real Tory is made of.   Then again.

Quote from: Mican on October 15, 2014, 09: PM
I assume by your quote that you are in favour of the motion.  Now let us hear your condemnation of the Conservative councillors who once again voted with Labour, if you have the moral courage to do so, then perhaps people might be kinder to you when commenting on your posts.  Let us see you stand up and show the world what a real Tory is made of.   

He can't. It would be political suicide if he did. I suspect the reasoning is that he is expecting to inherit Ray's role and thus become the puppet master. Its the way politics work. We can not be any worse off when Shane is holding George's hand up!
Besides which Shane has not got too many places to post that have as much local visibility as here. He will not be able to rekindle his fleeting flirtation with a well known local blogger as his twitter account has been inactive since October 1st.
Now I have criticised Shane as much as all of you but unlike all the other politicians who come here  using an alias he does keep posting. Perhaps the time has come to recognise his shackles and cut him a bit of slack.

There will always be tension when Shane posts on here - not that I want to discourage him. The tension comes from him being a proper Tory stuck trying to defend someone who isn't. Oh and it's not true that I hate Wells - that would imply some effort on my part which he doesn't deserve. He does however disgust me as I regard him as the summation of everything that is wrong with HBC.

One day Shane will actually do something to try and reclaim his party back from the carpetbaggers - when that happens he and I will get on just fine.

George did raise his hand and tom had 20 copies of his statement and a specially printed t shirt  which read IVE DONE NOTHING WRONG.
Tom's statement and therefore impact relied on joining the gross misconduct with the Hartlepool radio fiasco as that directly impacted UKIP this was not going to happen because it was not going to go the distance impact lost

Taken from the front page of The Post:

"I'LL HAVE YOU" CRANNEY THREATENS COUNCILLOR DURING EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
In a twisted way, it was somehow an appropriate end to the extraordinary meeting which had been called to debate the future of the current Mayor, Stephen Akers-Belcher.
During PHF Councillor Riddle's contribution to the debate, Cllr Kevin Cranney was clearly heard to say "I'll Have You" to Riddle. Then to the astonishment of all who witnessed it, Cllr Cranney walked across the floor to threaten Cllr David Riddle in full view of other councillors, council officers and, most importantly, more than 100 members of the public. Cranney had to be restrained by council officers but not before he managed a final "I'll see you later" directed at Riddle - a fitting climax to a meeting which had so fully exposed Hartlepool Council's Labour Group's open contempt for democracy (never mind any concept of 'doing the honourable thing') that it left them with little else to do but default back to their natural habitat of bullying and thuggery.

I suppose if driddle happened to have an accident, any accident, the plod would have an idea where to look first ?

I notice that so far over a thousand people have watched the video of this meeting (1,043). Such a brilliant use of the Internet. I can't help thinking that Labour weren't thinking about video and that so many people would witness their pathetic attempt to by-pass democracy. They won the vote and lost the public.

Well done to whoever was on the camera.

I heard the comment.......The Mob are filming the meeting for "Legal Reason" from a fellow attendee on Monday .

What planet are these f**kwits from........they have resisted filmed meetings for. years......then the 1st one they actually want to be filmed.....they make a rip roaring James Hunt of it. :D

  Without a doubt the local Labour Party made a massive tactical blunder on Monday which could cost them dearly next May. P.H.F./Independents were quite right to ask S.A.B. to stand down while his dismissal by Newcastle City Council was challenged. They even said that if he was cleared of any wrong doing then he would be re-instated as Mayor. This offer would have enabled him to step down with his dignity intact. Instead the Labour Party ,for some unknown reason, chose to fight the motion.I think this was motivated, not by common sense, but by a sheer hatred of anyone who opposes them. As for the Conservative group their actions are completely incomprehensible. They should be the natural opponents of the Labour Party,instead they seem to have a death wish. Well done to all those councillors who voted for the motion.

Conservative death wish ?  ...West Park will continue to vote Tory as much as the granddads will continue to blindly vote Labour.

I think a lot of people up there vote Tory as a statement of their own status - they certainly wouldn't vote Labour but come the General Election, and with no prospect of a Tory winning the seat, then a lot of them may well vote UKIP to get Wright out.

The more I think about the disgraceful antics in that chamber, the more I feel the apparent collusion between Mad Dog and Stubbs amounts to malfeasance in public office.  :o
Are they ALLOWED to 'set out their stall' prior to a public meeting and then pretend it is all 'off the cuff'?
Newcastle City Council won't kick up a fuss over the comments in the chamber because THEY are Labour controlled (CONTROLLED being the operative word) and they won't be allowed to rock the good ship Labour North-East.  >:(

We really have to move these people out next year. They have had far too long a run and produced zilch for Hartlepool, it's time for new blood. PLEASE!

No one should underestimate the damage done by Labours cunning plan for this meeting.  A number of HBC employees have told me they have had enough and are looking to go.

I think most have lost all faith in HBC leaders.  We are witnessing a 'house of cards' about to fall.

The Bottom of The Abyss is fast approaching.... WTF has Hartlepool done to deserve "The Deary Me Leader & The TorLab Mob".

What a complete shower of "Brown Stuff" we have running the town............

"What better example of the way the town has been controlled than watching (dead in the water clr) robbie payne on Monday evening, sitting with his head in his hands & then voting "Against" the motion......

Pathetic really.

Well somebody is voting for them and when you consider Labour in government, brought in mass immigration,  and nearly bankrupted england, at the last Labour conference Ed Milliband forgot to mention immigration or the ecconomy, they believe they have never done anything wrong oh did I forget the human rights act, the council meeting re the mayor was no different ive done nothing wrong I guess it must be right then as again someone keeps voting for them, lets see if the red brick colour of the civic centre  starts to fade anytime soon

Quote from: grim reaper on October 16, 2014, 06: PMWe really have to move these people out next year. They have had far too long a run and produced zilch for Hartlepool, it's time for new blood. PLEASE!

Sadly the opportunity for new blood was thrown away when the people of Hartlepool decided a monkey mascot would make a good mayor.  In hind sight it was the best thing that happened to Labour in Hartlepool for a long time since they had all the power but without ultimate responsibility or accopuntability. Just look at who Drummond had in his cabinet and you see Labour never really lost control, his cabinet, good and true Labour almost to a man (and woman), well at least until the end of the cabinet systyem was in sight and the snakes turned on their own as they positioned themselves for post Drummond! There were some capable people sitting on the back benches but Drummond never looked much further than the Labour front bench for his team. The former tory lady from Elwick might have put up a better fight but she was always outnumbered and I think more of a token than anything else!

The lady you are referring to was actually an Independent. I can't remember her name unfortunately; she seemed very capable but was turned off by the behaviour of the sheep.

Hilary Thompson

Hilary Thompson was definitely a token gesture.  Exactly the same as the rest on the cabinet, kept in line to keep her place. 

Absolute disgrace just like the others who allowed Drummond to get the blame (though she thought Drummond was doing an amazing job, which proves the point of token gesture) then do nothing about it.

Drummond surrounded himself with the usual buffoons, he realized this too late and before he do anything about he was out on his ear.

Quote from: seaton on October 19, 2014, 02: PM
Drummond surrounded himself with the usual buffoons..........

Birds of a feather.......

Quote from: christine blakey on October 19, 2014, 01: PM
Hilary Thompson was definitely a token gesture.  Exactly the same as the rest on the cabinet, kept in line to keep her place. 

Absolute disgrace just like the others who allowed Drummond to get the blame (though she thought Drummond was doing an amazing job, which proves the point of token gesture) then do nothing about it.

Cobblers, Hilary was a breath of fresh air and she always played it straight. 

Quote from: Lord Elpus on October 19, 2014, 04: PM

Quote from: christine blakey on October 19, 2014, 01: PM
Hilary Thompson was definitely a token gesture.  Exactly the same as the rest on the cabinet, kept in line to keep her place. 

Absolute disgrace just like the others who allowed Drummond to get the blame (though she thought Drummond was doing an amazing job, which proves the point of token gesture) then do nothing about it.

Cobblers, Hilary was a breath of fresh air and she always played it straight.

I agree with LE on this one. I have a lot of time for Hilary as she was a good councillor and very well thought of too.

I for one would have loved to have had her rejoin the Conservative Party and been another voice of sanity within the ranks

Hilary Thompson was like the rest, great in the right influential company.

After all, did she make the difference needed on the cabinet for herself or for Hartlepool?

Considering she did not object to the goings on within that gang speaks volumes.  Usual excuses, so although I would like to follow the sentiment, I for one, know of things she has done that was totally unbecoming of not only a cabinet member but a councillor.

Total, fur lined cobbler, Hilary stood up against the Mob and supported Drummond against the Comrades stitch up of the 2012 budget.

Hilary was one of the good guys, she was also intelligent and read her papers.  She's a sad loss to HBC.

Christine - try and get into the habit of ending your posts with the phrase 'in my opinion' because you have a habit of stating things as facts when all they actually are is your opinion - usually based on some personal vendetta.