January 22, 2020 2.52 pm
This story is over 29 months old
Former Boston leader accused of “arbitrary and dictatorial” decisions by Conservatives
The party has launched a complaint into Councillor Spencer’s conduct
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.
Conservatives in Boston have called their former leader “arbitrary and dictatorial” and launched a complaint into “serious concerns”, according to a party statement.
Another former leader, Councillor Michael Cooper, has also rejoined the party after a stint as an unaligned councillor, and been given his seat back as chairman of the planning committee – a role he was recently removed from by Councillor Aaron Spencer.
Now independent councillor Spencer stepped down as leader and a member of the Tory party at Monday night’s Full Council meeting.
A statement from the Conservative party said that the party had disagreed with a number of Councillor Spencer’s recent actions.
Former Boston Borough Council leader Michael Cooper has rejoined the party.
It said: “This has clearly been a turbulent few days following decisions taken by Councillor Spencer and correspondence which he sent, most of which are in the public domain and have been subjected to considerable speculation.
“A clear majority of the Conservative Group expressed their view that this arbitrary and dictatorial approach was at odds with an open, transparent, inclusive, and democratic group.
“Consequently, we are grateful that Councillor Spencer appreciated his position had become untenable and gave notice of his resignation as leader.”
They add, however, that the group have referred “serious concerns” to the council’s Monitoring Officer for investigation under the Code of Conduct.
It is understood this relates to Councillor Spencer’s recent employment as General Manager at Boston West, in Hubberts Bridge.
Councillor Aaron Spencer (centre) with former councillor and then portfolio holder for tourism Alistair Arundell (right) and Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman.
They concluded: “It is of course disappointing that Councillor Spencer has subsequently chosen to leave the group and party, where he has done much good work and made great strides in developing his career since 2011.
“The Conservative Party locally will fulfil our obligations to the people of Boston Borough by continuing to work together as a team and deliver on the commitments we made at the election last year.”
It is understood a group meeting on Tuesday will elect a new group leader who will be put forward as a candidate for the council’s leadership – a further statement could be made at that time.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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