Councillor’s Labour attack sparks row

2:22pm Thursday 12th June 2008

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A ROW erupted at a community meeting after a councillor launched a public attack on the Labour Party.

After the meeting, Conservative councillor Peter Redstone argued with Labour counterpart Joan Grimshaw and Ann Audin, a resident, who both felt comments he made were inappropriate.

The incident arose at last week’s meeting of Whitefield and Unsworth Local Area Partnership (LAP) when Councillor Redstone spoke about the Government’s stance on criminals.

He said he hoped things would change ‘when Michelle gets into Parliament’, referring to his fellow ward councillor Michelle Wiseman, who will be running against Ivan Lewis to become Bury South MP at the next election.

Councillor Redstone made the comments after a resident complained about youth nuisance and crime in his area.

He said: “The problem is that there has been a breakdown of discipline in our society, not helped by the efforts of the current Government.

“It is clear that something needs to be done about it and I for one will be glad when Michelle gets into Parliament and can start to help making some changes.”

In response, Ann Audin, of Harris Drive, Unsworth, said: “I thank Councillor Redstone for his speech, but we didn’t come here to hear a Conservative political broadcast. I think he knows that two could play at that game.”

The row continued after the meeting, prompting Councillor Wiseman, who was chairing the meeting, to speak to Councillor Redstone about his conduct.

After the meeting, Councillor Wiseman said: “There is no doubt that his comments were inappropriate for what is an apolitical meeting. I did find it embarrassing.

“I spoke to Peter afterwards and expressed my feelings, but he is an outspoken person and will approach things as he sees fit.

“As LAP chairman, I do my best to ensure the meeting runs smoothly especially when the agenda is a big one and, in future, that may require curbing political speech.”