January 21, 2020 10.59 am
This story is over 30 months old
Boston council leader resigns after ‘conspiracy’ against him
He jumped before he was pushed
Councillor Aaron Spencer was the leader of Boston Borough Council until January 2020 - he has since only attended three out of nine meetings across Boston and Lincolnshire County Council.
One of the youngest council leaders in the country has stepped down after just six months in the role.
Conservative Councillor Aaron Spencer, who took on the job at Boston Borough Council in July 2019 at the age of 27, has resigned as leader of the council and moved to become independent.
Speaking to Local Democracy Reporters today, he accused his former party of conspiring against him.
He said he had been given an option to resign or face a vote of no confidence.
“I said I would resign because I didn’t want to be part of the party,” he said.
“I have said time and again that I didn’t want to engage in highly petty politics.
“They’re old Tories who just want to put party first.
“I have also said publicly I have been putting the town first, above the party and they don’t like that.”
“They wanted a leader who was going to be a bit of a puppet and I’m not like that.”
“It’s a shame because it will be the town that suffers really.”
He said, however, that if councillors proposed him to be leader again he would accept the role.
“I’ve got a lot more to give,” he said.
“If councillors want the best for the town they need to look into themselves and think how do we move forward and if I’m the person who comes to mind as someone with the youth, ambition and vision I will take that mantle on again.”
Councillor Nigel Welton. will take on the role of acting leader.
He said accusations levelled at him regarding his removal of former leader Councillor Michael Cooper from planning committee and that his work for former councillor portfolio tourism holder Alistair Arundell were just “excuses”.
He told reporters he had experienced hostility from Councillor Cooper since events last July, while his employment as general manager at Boston West Golf Club over the festive period had been “legal and above board”.
He added his short tenure at the council had been “hard, really hard.”
“I have put my heart and soul into this and I thought people had my back and were friends with me.”
A spokesman for the authority confirmed that deputy leader Councillor Nigel Welton will act as leader until the authority votes on a new one.
Councillor Spencer’s official Facebook page and Twitter accounts have alsohave been taken down.
Conservative members at the council have been contacted for comment.
Bostonian Independent Group member Councillor Neill Hastie told Local Democracy Reporters this morning: “I don’t know the reason why he has stepped down, all I do know is it is a great loss to the town losing him as the leader of the council especially with the alternative options on offer.
“I’m glad he’s staying as anindependent and look forward to working closely with him in the future.”
Former Boston Borough Council leader Michael Cooper stepped down last July,
Councillor Spencer took over from former leader Councillor Michael Cooper who stepped down to pursue his own business ventures.
After taking the reins in July last year, Councillor Spencer became one of the youngest in the country.
The latest move will leave the council set up with 15 Conservative group members, seven Independents, five Bostonian Independents, two Labour group members and one unspecified.
It means the Conservatives are currently equal in number to their opposition.
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We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
Officers were called to the incident in Farrow Road, Spalding, at 1.03am today (7 August) following reports of what was described as an explosion. The property has suffered 100% damage.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed.
Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate today. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
Officers will remain in the area for the next few days carrying out enquiries.
Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us. There are a number of ways to get in touch:
You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 43 of 7 August.
You can email: [email protected] incident number 43 of 7 August in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
Lincolnshire 30 Under 30, The Lincolnite‘s showcase of young up and coming talent and high achievers, is open for nominations.
Thanks to our sponsors, Sparkhouse, Ringrose Law, Streets Chartered Accountants, Lincoln College and The Strait & Narrow, publishers Stonebow Media are organising the celebration of Lincolnshire’s promising talent for this autumn.
In 2021 we received almost 200 nominations for our county’s rising stars and and we’re seeking those who have shone over the past twelve months from entrepreneurs, to athletes, artists and rapidly developing professionals.
We’re looking to hear from inspirational young achievers from all backgrounds and professional fields. You can nominate yourself, or someone you know personally or professionally who is making our county proud.
Nominations are open for people from across Greater Lincolnshire (from the Humber to the Wash), either living or working in our region (and beyond!)
Entries close on September 9. A reception event is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at the Lincoln Cathedral Chapterhouse. Check out the 2021 celebration.
Why this matters
The Lincolnite’s 30 Under 30 showcase is a celebration of the best and brightest in Lincolnshire, putting our young talent on the map regionally and nationally.
Stonebow Media’s platform and channels reach unparalleled audiences, opening up further opportunities and recognition for those involved.
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