Councillor responds to allegations of "bullying and harassment" following dramatic Downham Market council walkout
Following the dramatic resignation of eight members of the Downham council last night after "two years of harassment and bullying" the councillor accused of the "misogynistic" campaign against the town's former Clerk Elaine Oliver has responded to "stilted and subjective" claims.
Ms Oliver stated last year that she "felt anxious" stepping into the town after an online campaign of hate aimed at her and other members of the council.
Last night the former Deputy Mayor Jackie Westrop, who was on the council for seven years, said: "I didn't join the council to be spat at and attacked online."
Former Mayor and council member for over two decades Jenny Groom called the environment "toxic" and said it could be "seen by all on social media".
Six other council members handed in their resignation, naming Mr Lawson in their statement.
They claim an investigation has been undertaken by police and the monitoring officer for the borough council into Mr Lawson's conduct.
Councillor Lawson has hit back against allegations of harassment and bullying.
He said: "I shall study the transcript to see if it is worth the effort and cost of handling what appears to be a libellous and slanderous materolia over to a lawyer to take action.
"There is already action for Ms Groom for libel in her capacity as Mayor, but Downham Council insurers are still trying to establish liability.
"Most of what was was said was highly subjected and stilted.
"I do agree with Councillor Pegg that these types of remarkable all too commonplace and just part of the rough and tumble of political life.
"The legislation expects politicians and people in the public sector to take a lot more stick as part of the job, as the old saying goes 'if you can't take it, you shouldn't have joined'.
"The gender issue is a coincidental distraction, as it happens there is a small queue of ladies wanting to join, but now we need a much bigger group.
"A crap councillor, is a crap councillor, regardless of gender."
