EXCLUSIVE
LEADER of Thurrock Conservatives, Garry Hague has announced that Chafford Hundred councillor Neil Rockcliffe has been suspended from the Conservative Group.
Garry Hague said:
“Councillor Rockliffe has accepted that he made a grave error in the post he made on his personal face book page. He has made an unreserved apology for any offence that might have been caused.
“The Conservative Group, and the Conservative Party, aims to promote the highest standards of conduct amongst its members.
Whilst Councillor Rockliffe has a positive record thus far in serving the residents of Chafford Hundred and of Thurrock, all members must uphold these standards.
We are extremely concerned over the potential offence that may have been caused in this case and, through the Conservative Group rules, we are reviewing what sanction should be applied to Cllr Rockliffe.
“The final sanction will be the subject of the decision of the Conservative Group of Thurrock Council. In the interim, Councillor Rockliffe will be suspended from the Conservative Group.”
Further reaction to follow.
Well Garry, why am I NOT surprised at Neil Rockliffe being suspended. The new Constitution’s Code of Conduct for Members dated June of this year states and I quote
5. You must not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or authority into disrepute.
Can we first acknowledge that this is an admitted offence – not an allegation, not gossip. Mr Rockliffe made a choice to put these racist and discriminatory comments on a national website and Mr. Rockliffe has openly acknowledged his culpability. He has insulted every person who voted for him to be in office. The man clearly is not honourable and lied on every doorstop in Chafford Hundred when seeking votes.
So I say again – why am I NOT surprised at Neil Rockliffe being suspended. I am not surprised because I have yet to see Thurrock’s Conservative Party admit to ever being wrong. The man is disgrace-he MUST GO and GO NOW. Am I just suspicious by nature or do I think that that flimsy excuse for a human being will be sent to the back of the class until the Conservatives believe that the matter has died down and then he will be gradually re-introduced back into the honourable position he has blatantly abused? As for you Garry Hague, being weak and spineless in dealing with this will not only cost you votes, it will also be seen by your own party members to be the most contemptible piece of politicking yet (look it up) Garry – I’ll save you the trouble –‘political activity by someone who is only interested in doing things for their own advantage, not in helping other people’. Sound familiar? I welcome any response from any member of your party- and if you try to quote democracy and fair process then I repeat two words WRITTEN AND ADMITTED.