West Norfolk councillor faces hearing over ‘docks’ remark
A West Norfolk councillor is facing a standards hearing over claims he breached the authority’s code of conduct.
A report says Toby Wing-Pentelow admitted making the remark that was the subject of the complaint during a council meeting earlier this year.
But he has also insisted that he has nothing to apologise for and the case is now due to be considered by a hearings panel next week.
The case stems from an exchange which took place during a full council meeting in January.
An investigation report, which was published by the council this week, said Jo Rust raised the issue of homelessness during public questions and challenged housing portfolio holder Adrian Lawrence to spend a night sleeping rough with her.
It added that, at that point, Mr Wing-Pentelow, who represents the Springwood ward, asked: “What, down the docks?”
Mrs Rust then indicated that she wanted to make a formal complaint about the remark, which she subsequently suggested was sexist and a reference to prostitution.
But, in his response to the complaint, Mr Wing-Pentelow rejected that allegation.
He said: “It is a clear reference to the Purfleet Trust which as you are well aware is based at the docks entrance.”
But the report added: “The councillor has been invited to apologise for his comment but has declined to do so, stating that there is nothing to apologise for.”
It also claimed that Mr Wing-Pentelow had not responded to a request for a further explanation of his intention in making the comment.
The investigating officer concluded that Mr Wing-Pentelow, who was elected at the 2015 borough council election, had breached the authority’s code of conduct by failing to treat Mrs Rust with respect.
The paper said Mrs Rust has called for Mr Wing-Pentelow to be expelled from the authority.
But it will be up to a three-strong panel of councillors to decide whether the code has been breached and, if so, what action should be taken.
The hearing is due to take place at Lynn’s town hall next Thursday.
