Allerdale Independent Group has withdrawn membership from one of its councillors after he was convicted for a string of offences which included hurling homophobic abuse towards police officers.
Peter Little, 36, who represents the Maryport South ward on the borough council, was intoxicated when he verbally abused and threatened his neighbours over a parking dispute in Maryport in May which caused the victims to wave down a passing police car for assistance.
His behaviour deteriorated further when police officers spoke to him, leading to his arrest. At Workington Police Station he verbally abused a number of police staff and officers, threatened to spit at them and homophobically abused female officers. He then continued abusing police staff the following morning.
Magistrates sentenced him to 12 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months. He must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, plus a 15 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement with a three-month alcohol treatment order.
Allerdale Independents issued the following statement: “As a result of a meeting held today by the Allerdale Independent Group, it has been decided to withdraw membership of the group from councillor Peter Little as a consequence of his recent actions.
“We have made it clear the law of the land comes before anything a political group can do to punish a councillor. However, now the law has had its say the political group has acted accordingly.
“We consider it important that all elected officials conduct themselves within the constraints of the law. Peter has worked hard for his residents and I’m sure he will continue to do so, we wish him well on the remainder of his time as a councillor and all the best for the future.”
Labour response
Meanwhile, the Allerdale Labour Group has called for Mr Little to resign. A statement issued by the group prior to the announcement by the Independent Group said: “In July 2019, at the first full council meeting following the local elections, Labour Cllr Joan Ellis moved that Allerdale council condemn those that bring hatred onto our streets.
“In supporting the motion the then leader, Cllr Marion Fitzgerald, said that the council had a long history in supporting social fairness and equalities.
“This was Cllr Little’s first meeting as a new councillor and the record shows he supported the motion. He signed up to the statement in the motion that said ‘council confirms that it will work with police and other agencies to counter hate crime wherever it appears in our area’.
“The vote was unanimous then and now we call upon the Independent Group to show the same unanimity – condemn the behaviour of Cllr Little and expel him from the group. Insist he resign as a councillor. For, how can he possibly represent the people in his ward? He has shown he is not a fit and proper person to carry out the duties of an elected councillor.
“If Cllr Little has any conscience he will resign and seek the support he clearly needs to ensure his hate and anger never appear on the streets of Mayport again.
“Support our police, Cllr Little. Resign.”
Cumbria Crack has approached Mr Little for comment.
To read the story about the conviction, click here.
To read about Allerdale Borough Council’s response to the conviction, click here.
Allerdale councillor in court for second time in matter of weeks
