A council meeting descended into chaos after councillors left before voting.
A full meeting of Middlesbrough Council on Wednesday September 11, was hit by disruption during the first of two motions due to discontent from councillors with a decision made by the chair.
The first motion sought to condemn violence towards politicians, the second was written to condemn the violent disorder that occurred in Middlesbrough on August 4.
Before reaching the vote on the first motion, several opposition members left the chamber as they were unhappy with the decision of the chair, Labour Councillor Julia Rostron, to allow an amendment that they viewed as an entirely new motion.
Councillor Ian Morrish, who is part of Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association (MICA) put forward his motion initially: “This council should condemn all types of violence including foul or abusive language towards politicians, following the recent assassination attempt on the Republican candidate for US president.”
Before proceedings could go any further, the chair stated that there was an amendment to the motion, which was read by Councillor Edward Clynch as follows: “The council condemns violence and intimidation towards elected representatives and those seeking election. This is in light of threats during the UK General Election, and to politicians around the globe. We especially note the growing threats to women in elections around the world. This council resolves to members’ safety a priority with regular training and advice.”
When asked by the chair if the comments he made were an addition to the motion, the Labour councillor responded: “No, it’s replacing the original motion”.
Councillor Clynch explained his behaviour by saying: “We welcome the original motion that came forward, as a Labour group, we felt we should expand upon who it covered.”
At this point, Councillor Luke Mason, the Conservative member for Coulby Newham, gave his view, adding: “I would argue that isn’t an amendment to the motion, I would argue that’s an entirely new motion. So, you can’t propose a new motion in place of an amendment.”
The chair responded that “it doesn’t actually negate the original motion. It doesn’t actually change the emphasis… it’s an extension, if you like, of the original motion.”
She confirmed it was in the chair’s discretion as to whether or not the Labour proposal was an amendment.
MICA Councillor Dennis McCabe then spoke passionately against the decision made by Chair Rostron. He said “This amendment is only hijacking this proposal, this motion, and I think it’s absolutely disgraceful you’re allowing this to go on and it’s another indictment of what this chamber is about with you… you’re running this like a dictatorship and not a democracy, and it’s absolutely disgraceful.
“And I feel I can no longer sit in this room and listen to any more of this and I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave this evening.”
Several Independent councillors, including the proposer, Councillor Morrish, left the chamber at this point. They were joined by a contingent of Conservative councillors.
The motion as amended was then voted through by the council.
The second motion, put forward by Labour Councillor Philippa Storey was to “condemn the violent disorder in Middlesbrough on 4th August 2024 and reaffirm the council’s commitment to a safe, inclusive, and tolerant society.”
This motion was not amended and many members spoke in support of the motion and highlighted how proud they were of the community who came together on the morning of August 5, to clean up the mess left behind by those who had caused destruction.
Labour Councillor Luke Henman said “Our town was built on immigration…generations of immigrants have created jobs and culture and community here.”
He went on to say, “One thing that the riots brought back home, you can’t clean up broken glass without there having been someone smashing windows. And we have to be honest that our history is also marked with moments of darkness.”
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MICA Councillor Tony Grainge said: “I think we miss why a lot of people are frustrated in the town. People aren’t frustrated about immigration, people are frustrated about illegal immigration… There’s a frustration with two tier policing and two tier reporting.”
The motion was voted through unanimously by the council.
Future meetings are advertised on the council’s website and are open to the public to attend.
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