NO FAIR HEARING FOR COUNCILLOR

Somerset County Council are denying a controversial councillor the chance to clear his name.

It has emerged that the Chairman of Somerset County Council has acted to prevent a special council meeting from taking place which would have given the chance for controversial Councillor Paul Buchanan to explain himself in public.

Paul Buchanan was a rising star in the Liberal Democrats locally until the Chief Executive of the Council lodged a large number of complaints against him. He was removed from his position as Deputy Leader of the Council and kicked out of the Liberal Democrat group. The Standards Board of England has now heard those complaints and they have cleared him on all counts but one. But Mr Buchanan has not been reinstated and his political career as a councillor remains severely damaged.

Ken Maddock, Leader of the Conservative Group at Somerset County Council saw this as unfair and requested a special council meeting to give Mr Buchanan the opportunity to salvage his reputation. The Liberal Democrat Chairman of the Council has agreed in principle to a special meeting, but has imposed so many conditions that it will not take place in practice.

Cllr Maddock said, "There seems to be an injustice here. Paul Buchanan and I are on opposite sides politically so it is not a party issue. It is a matter of fairness. Every man is entitled to a fair hearing. But Mr Buchanan is being denied his.''

He went on, "I am very concerned about the general culture of secrecy at County Hall. There is far too much going on behind closed doors. What do they have to hide? Why will they not allow one of their own to speak in public? I call on the Chairman of the Council to set aside his earlier decision and call a special meeting without further delay. Mr Buchanan should have the opportunity to explain his position and clear his name in public session.''

END