A town council meeting descended into chaos on Tuesday night as allegations of bullying, harassment and intimidation were made — and the Isle of Wight’s MP got involved.
At Yarmouth Town Council (YTC), 1 councillor publicly apologised for his behaviour at the last meeting and MP Bob Seely said he had reported some councillors to the Isle of Wight Council.
Speaking about the previous meeting, another member of the public said Councillor Rodney Corbett had brought YTC into disrepute after his behaviour caused the only 2 female councillors to leave as they felt unable to ‘vote because of intimidation’.
Responding, Councillor Corbett said if he did bully the councillors, he apologised and said it was not meant to come across that way but he needed to get his point over.
Later in the meeting, Councillor Corbett alleged other instances of bullying and intimidation committed by others, as ‘he had replied to his accusations and felt others should have to as well’.
He felt Councillors Steve Cowley and Thomas Cowley should apologise for ‘verbally attacking’ ward councillor Peter Spink at previous meetings — which they both denied — so much so that Councillor Spink had stopped attending YTC meetings.
Some protested any complaints should be taken through the proper procedure but Councillor Corbett continued, saying he was representing those who had had to put up with the Councillor Cowleys’ behaviour.
One member of the public said having sat through the meeting they were ashamed of what had taken place, with councillors lacking accountability, leadership and respect towards each other.
Councillor Debbie McCleary said the council needed to move on and the meeting was not the right forum to raise the issues.
She said:
“This is the whole reason we are seen as an embarrassment, we cannot sit here and argue like this. It needs to be dealt with appropriately … we are here for the good of the community and this is taking away from it.”
Only one formal complaint had been lodged so far, it was confirmed, by Cllr Steve Cowley, who was aggrieved with Cllr Corbett’s behaviour.
Councillor Spink responded to comments saying he thought YTC needed to take a clear look at itself, especially after he felt he would not attend its meetings anymore and the town mayor, Jamie Allen, resigned recently in ‘unpleasant circumstances’.
Mr Seely spoke in Councillor Spinks’ defence saying shouting and bullying at the meetings were unacceptable.
It was agreed YTC’s meetings should be audio recorded in the future.
Amateurs !!! No news here
Normal situation for councils. Largely self-serving individuals, not to serve the people – that’s the last thing they are interested in. As the member of the public said “with councillors lacking accountability, leadership and respect towards each other”, and I would add, “and to the electorate”.
Serious?? You for real! Bit of shouting and bullying! Get real!
They are all corrupt in it for their own gain dealt with Yarmouth parish council myself through work very very bully boy tactics
So true, all a bunch of useless greedy B’stards lining their own pockets.
Must still think they are in the school playground
Which one? Certainly not yarmouth, they let that be closed.
Acting worse than a load of silly children. These lot need to be sent on suitable courses to teach them how to behave in the real world. None of them are fit to serve as councillors. Sack the lot.
Seems the cowley’s are a right pair of bullies but then this is the behaviour most tin pot councils deteriorate into with the bembridge clowns being prime examples.
I should imagine this situation happens as many local council meetings, even at the IoW Council meetings. It is about time the “respect for others” attitude spread through all those in charge of others, not only Councils but by the sounds of the News lately, Fire Service, Police, Sports etc and probably the same with some employers. Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.
Everyone knows Cowley snr and jnr are a couple of top hats.
the sooner that YTC is done away with the better, it is just a forum for a few people that seek self grandisment, at the cost of the local population, a bugger enquiryneeds to happen over where the money has gone.
Bygger should read bigger, apologies.
Amateurs .. disband this farcical mob ….ego’s are not a reason to be a councillor ..
For christ sake, they are like a load of bickering school brats all sniping at each other. Why don’t they do something of use that needs doing to justify the rip off council tax rise and their above anyone else’s incomes? If they can’t do that, then they are not fit for purpose and should be disbanded, as should they all if they can’t prove their worth and save us thousands in council tax
No surprise and long time coming. Reputations of Bumptious Senior and equally Bumptious Junior are well known and one of the reasons why nobody engages with their style of intermeddling or local democracy. Who actually votes for them?
Walter .. I’m told not nice people to deal with, So time for them to be thrown out .
Lol. Always the same
99% of councillors are a waste of space.
They could not organise a p*ss up in a Brewery.
A complete waste of money.