A CAMPAIGNER has thrown her support behind a petition calling for the resignation of a Redditch councillor after he called a member of the public a ‘Nazi’ at an extraordinary meeting.
Former borough and county councillor Emma Marshall, who organised the recent protest against cancelling the May elections, submitted a request to create an official e-petition so residents could voice their concerns about Coun Ian Woodall’s behaviour.
At that meeting, Coun Woodall called a member of the public a Nazi – for which he later admitted fell below the standards expected of a councillor.
Mrs Marshall said she was told by officers that her petition was rejected as it was not appropriate. She said she was instead directed to the council’s complaints process.
She said: “I was shocked when I received the email saying this petition was inappropriate.
“I had read the guidance and couldn’t see anything saying petitions about a councillor’s conduct are not allowed. I tried to do everything by the book, and yet the council now wants to further stifle the community’s voice.”
Coun Woodall told the Standard he has referred himself to the Redditch Borough Councils Standards Process.
He said: “That investigation is ongoing. I will abide by it’s findings and recommendations.”
Mrs Marshall said she applauded Coun Woodall for the referral, adding he had made the right decision.
She is now backing the petition on Change.org created by Coun Ashley Monk who represents Redditch West (Shared) on the county council, calling for Coun Woodalls resignation.
Redditch Borough Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that complaints about councillors are a matter for the council’s standards process, which is available on our website.”
Visit change.org/p/call-for-cllr-ian-woodall-to-resign-following-conduct-at-redditch-borough-council-meeting to view the petition.
