Minutes:
The Chairman made a detailed statement to the Panel, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.
Councillor Dave Thompson expressed sadness that the extraordinary meeting of the Panel had been necessary; but raised concerns that the Chairman had, when asking a question about the wearing of rainbow lanyards, attacked a senior Police Officer. He also indicated that he took exception to the Chairman’s use of the word “homosexual” in his response to an open letter from the Police and Crime Commissioner, seeing the word as implying derogatory connotations. As a consequence he wished the Chairman to stand down, but remain as a member of the Panel. He hoped that at some time in the future Mr Fousert could again become Chairman of the Panel.
Councillor Andrew Dawson, noted that he had not been able to attend the meeting on 15th June, but had subsequently watched the webcast of the meeting and also listened to an interview given by the Chairman to the BBC immediately following the meeting. He expressed the view that all Panel members should receive equality and diversity training. He referenced the Code of Conduct that the Police were required to observe, noting that there had possibly been a legitimate question for the Chairman to ask the Police and Crime Commissioner. He expressed concern that at the meeting on 15th June the Commissioner has failed to provide leadership, suggesting that he could, had he so wished sought clarification on the Chairman’s line of questioning. Councillor Martyn Delaney expressed concern that Councillor Dawson was being critical of the Police and Crime Commissioner who was not present.
Councillor Norman Plumpton Walsh noted that the wearing of a lanyard was a minor, inconsequential issue when compared to the real everyday challenges faced by Cheshire Police Officers.
Mrs Sally Hardwick expressed concern that some elements of the media and public had politicised the issue. She also said that in her view the Chairman had not broken the Panel’s Procedure Rules and under the Human Rights Act had the freedom to express his views and opinions.
Councillor Dave Thompson moved a motion that the Panel members had no confidence in the Chairman and in accordance with the Panel’s Rules of Procedure should be removed from office. The motion was seconded by Councillor Jan Davidson. At this point the Chairmanship of the meeting was taken over by the Deputy Chair, Mr Evan Morris.
Councillor Paul Findlow expressed concern that the Panel was ceasing to operate in an apolitical way; noting that the Chairman had simply asked a question after reading an article in Policing Insight.
Mr Fousert expressed concern that the move to have him removed from the position of Chairman had been led by Labour Councillors and was therefore politically motivated. Councillor Anthony Critchley refuted this allegation, saying that his actions had been motivated by a genuine concern at the question asked by Mr Fousert at the meeting on 15th June.
Councillor Rob Bisset noted that he had not been able to attend the meeting on 15 June, but that he was strongly of the view that wearing a rainbow lanyard was not a political act. He was concerned that the Chairman had indicated that he thought that the motion of no confidence against him was politically motivated.
RESOLVED:
By seven votes to five, with one abstention, that the Panelhad no confidence in the Chairman, meaning that the Chairman was removed from office.
Councillor Andrew Dawson moved a motion that all members of the Panel, together with the Secretariat (should they wish) and the Police and Crime Commissioner (should he wish) should receive equalities and diversity training.
There was discussion as to what would be the most appropriate form for training to take; with the view of the Panel being that it would be appropriate for training to be specifically designed to reflect the work of the Panel and its relationship with the Constabulary.
RESOLVED:
That all Panel members receive equalities and diversity training to which the Secretariat and Commissioner should be invited. All Panel members voted in favour of the motion.
Councillor Norman Plumpton Walsh proposed that Mr Evan Morris should be appointed as Chairman on the Panel. This was seconded by Councillor Rob Bissett.
RESOLVED
That Mr Evan Morris be appointed as Chair for the remainder of the Municipal year.
Councillor Jan Davidson proposed that Councillor Dave Thompson be appointed as Deputy Chairman, this was seconded by Councillor Norman Plumpton Walsh.
Councillor Paul Findlow proposed that Councillor Andrew Dawson be appointed as Deputy Chairman, this was seconded by Mrs Sally Hardwick.
The nominations were put to the vote.
RESOLVED:
That Councillor Dave Thompson be appointed as Deputy Chair for the remainder of the Municipal year.