Rutland Councillors Apologise for “Offensive Language”
Two Liberal Democrat Rutland County Councillors, Mark Chatfield and Abigail West, have issued apologies for using language described as offensive during a recent council meeting. The incident has prompted a response from local MP Alicia Kearns and the Leader of the Council.
Councillor Abigail West, who represents Cottesmore, apologised for her "poor language," stating that "passions were running high." The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Andrew Brown, confirmed he "reprimanded Cllr West immediately when she swore."
Councillor Mark Chatfield, of Oakham North East, also apologised. He claimed he "mouthed the odd unfortunate word" but did not say anything out loud. He has since apologised to the monitoring officer and the chairman of the council and promised there would "be no repeat of this slip." This is not the first time Cllr Chatfield has faced criticism for his language; a previous standards complaint regarding his social media posts about residents resulted in the council finding them to be "insulting, racist and offensive."
MP Alicia Kearns took to social media to express her disappointment, calling it a "shame to see some Lib Dem Councillors use offensive language." She noted the language appeared to be "directed (it appears) at other Councillors." Alicia also highlighted that a previous standards complaint she filed against one of the councillors for their social media posts was not fully investigated, despite the council agreeing the posts were "insulting, racist and offensive."
Councillor Gale Waller, the Leader of Rutland County Council, stated that she would speak to her Liberal Democrat members about the incident. She expressed her sympathy regarding the language choice and affirmed that she is "very careful" with her own language. Waller hopes to prevent the perception that such "occasional lapses are acceptable." The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Andrew Brown, also addressed the situation, stating he hoped the scenario with Councillor West's swearing "will not arise again."
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