East Middleton ward unanimously calls for Leader of the Council to be suspended

Councilor Richard Farnell

Members of East Middleton Ward have passed a resolution asking for the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, to be suspended.

A representative from East Middleton said: “East Middleton passed the resolution unanimously.”

The resolution came about after Councillor Farnell was accused of a "complete abdication of leadership and responsibility" and an "extraordinary dereliction of duty" in closing remarks made by a barrister at the inquiry into sexual abuse and exploitation at Knowl View School, on 27 October.

A Labour Group spokesman said: “The advice to all members from the Labour Party Regional Secretary is clear: Members should not comment on the Public Inquiry into CSA until it has concluded its investigation.

"The Labour Party fully supports the work of the Inquiry and all members must not seek to prejudge its findings. We await its preliminary report in about six months’ time.”