[A] CONSERVATIVE councillor has asked what Labour and Liberal Democrat cabinet members have to hide, after he was threatened with being thrown out of a council meeting for legitimately filming proceedings on his phone camera.
Conservative councillor Sol Wielkopolski was sitting down filming 2018’s first full meeting of Cumbria County Council in Kendal when Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors objected to being filmed and attempted to have him removed.
The meeting was then adjourned while a compromise was agreed, and only allowed to continue if Cllr Wielkopolski agreed to desist for the remainder of proceedings.
He said: “The people of Cumbria need to know what the budget plans are; and exactly why after building a new blue light hub in Ulverston the full-time fire service is being cut in Ulverston – despite the move not delivering any savings. Given this context, it’s no surprise that the Labour and Liberal Democrats demanded that I stop filming.
“The constitution and national legislation specifically allows anyone to film and I call upon Ian Stewart to issue an apology on behalf of his members.
“I’m also calling for all councillors, including cabinet members, to be trained in this regard.
“I‘d be happy to see the Council sessions live streamed, so that the people of Cumbria can witness proceedings for themselves.”
Leader of the Conservative Group at Cumbria County Council James Airey added: “It is quite clear that the Lab/Lib pact at the County Council are prepared to do anything to keep the truth from the public of Cumbria. Serious issues such as Fire service cuts and future Council tax hikes should be in the public domain, this is just another attempt to hide the truth in a long line of shoddy cover ups by this failing administration.”
Cumbria Crack asked Cumbria County Council if they would like to respond but didn’t receive a reply.
