'Lies' claim hits mayoral ceremony

Mayor-making in Ludlow was disrupted as one councillor branded another a liar and threatened him with court action before leaving without seeing the ceremony.

Councillor Nick Galtress, pictured, made the accusations towards deputy mayor-elect Derek Davies at yesterday's robing ceremony in the town's Assembly Rooms.

After Jim Newbold was chosen as mayor, and before Councillor Davies could be approved as his deputy, Councillor Galtress asked to address the meeting of the town council.

He told the assembled crowd he had given councillors a briefing which he said "indicates questions of the fitness of the deputy mayor to hold that position".

He said: "The deputy mayor has been telling people whatever comes into his head, in this case, lies.

"I honestly think he should seriously consider his position. His first duty as deputy mayor might be with the standards board and the next with the county courts. I suggest he consider taking advice."

Councillor Galtress then left.

In a statement to the Shropshire Star, Councillor Galtress said he had reported Councillor Davies to the council's monitoring officer and was also taking legal advice over the alleged "lies".

Councillor Davies said following the meeting: "We'll see how it goes."

Councillor Newbold said: "I know nothing about it, only what I've heard in there."

In another twist, Councillor Jeffry Wilcox proposed an amendment to the vote of thanks to outgoing mayor Marie Glaze.

Councillor Newbold proposed she should be thanked "for the courteous, efficient and admirable manner" in which she carried out her duties, but this was removed following Councillor Wilcox's amendment.

In her leaving speech, Councillor Glaze, who Councillor Newbold has chosen to be his consort for the coming year, said: "I have enjoyed my time as mayor.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Shirley Newbold who has been my consort. She has been a great support."

The deputy mayor row is the latest trouble to hit Ludlow Town Council.

New rules were drawn up in September following four months of crisis last year.

Then acting council clerk Richard Walden led the review following serious problems between May and the end of August.

His report looked at, among other issues, disciplinary and grievance procedures, including the absence of a disciplinary panel of councillors.

The council's troubles began after the May 2007 elections.

Several members quit in protest at Marie Glaze's appointment as mayor for the 2007/8 year.

Brian Owen, Roger Ward and Rosanna Taylor Smith all stood down.

Then council clerk Paul Russell said the council had been "plunged into chaos" over decision-making rules.

Mr Russell quit after relations broke down between him and a number of councillors.

He was suspended after being accused of punching Councillor Tony Pound, but denied the allegation and police decided not to press charges. However, he left shortly afterwards, with a £20,000 pay-off.

Mr Walden was appointed acting clerk, while the council searched for a replacement for Mr Russell.

Linda Thomas was appointed to the position earlier this year, following a second recruitment campaign. The ex-clerk of Knutsford Council in Cheshire began in March.

By Hannah Costigan