You are viewing content from Radio Exe Devon. Would you like to make this your preferred location?
Listen Live

Teignbridge Lib Dem suspended

Saturday, 4 December 2021 11:01

By Ollie Heptinstall, local democracy reporter

Cllr Gary Taylor says sorry (courtesy: Teignbridge DC/YouTube)

But he keeps his council role

A senior councillor’s membership of the Liberal Democrats has been temporarily suspended as the party looks into a physical confrontation he had at a full council meeting.

During a question on planning, Teignbridge councillor Gary Taylor (Dawlish South West) appeared to try to pull opposition member Liam Mullone (Newton Says No, College) away at a meeting in September.  The pair were broken up.

Cllr Mullone told BBC Radio Devon that Cllr Taylor “grabbed me by the lapels and I heard my jacket tear. He was trying to pull me out of the room.”

Addressing the first council meeting since the incident, Cllr Taylor, who holds the planning portfolio, said: “You have my word that I will not act in this manner again in the future.

“Whilst my actions were intended to prevent an escalation of an ongoing situation, I recognise that in the field of politics, there is no place for physical confrontation, however well-intentioned or otherwise.”

But he didn’t apologise to Cllr Mullone directly.

The Liberal Democrats have now confirmed in a statement that “Mr Taylor’s membership of the party has been temporarily suspended while a complaint is investigated.”

It added: “The Liberal Democrats operate a robust and independent complaints process.”

However, Councillor Alan Connett (Kenton & Starcross), leader of the council and the Lib Dem group, confirmed that Cllr Taylor remains on the executive and part of the local political group while it awaits a decision from the national party.

Following Cllr Taylor’s apology this week, a council spokesperson said: “As a local authority we expect all councillors and officers to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour.

“Councillor Taylor apologised at [Tuesday’s] full council for his actions at the previous meeting. Therefore, no further action is considered appropriate or necessary.”

More from Local News

Listen Live
On Air Now Neil Walker Playing To The Moon & Back Savage Garden