December 15, 2020 12.32 pm
This story is over 18 months old
North East Lincolnshire deputy leader steps down over dealings with convicted fraudster
Embroiled in development and football dealings
Councillor John Fenty, former deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, skills and housing at North East Lincolnshire Council. | Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council
The deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council has stepped down from his role after reports revealed he had business links with a convicted fraudster.
Conservatve Councillor John Fenty, who was also cabinet member for Regeneration, Skills and Housing, had set up a business with Alex May, who was previously convicted and jailed for six years for his part in a multi-million pound scam.
Councillor Fenty said the pair were no longer business partners. The company they had set up, Town Centre Living Ltd, had not even started trading yet.
He helped see his party to office in North East Lincolnshire for the first time in the 2019 general election and sat on the first wholly Conservative cabinet in the borough’s history.
John Fenty is also a majority shareholder for Grimsby Town FC.
In a statement, Councillor Fenty said he had reflected on the recent reports and the impact on his party and the local authority.
“I have taken the decision in the best interests of all concerned and to avoid an unwarranted distraction to the enormous progress being made in the borough,” he said.
“I’m proud to have played my part in that progress and the re-invigorated spirit the area now has in itself, a spirit I’m confident will continue to burn bright under a Conservative administration.”
He went on to praise a “sea-change in the ambition to re-build the economy after years of struggle” which he said would “continue to bear fruit in the future”.
He also thanked council employees for their support.
“My decision today will allow me to focus more on my other business activities and the football club I’m passionate about. I have been meticulous in declaring any conflicts of interests throughout my time as a councillor and can hold my head up high,” he said.
“However, I’m not prepared to let matters in my private business life become a drain on the administration’s effort to make this borough a great place to live work and play.”
He said he had “great regret and sadness” over the decision and said it had “been my greatest privilege to undertake”.
He added he would continue to serve his ward of Humberston and New Waltham.
North East Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Philip Jackson and now former deputy leader Councillor John Fenty. Photo: Daniel Jaines
Council leader Philip Jackson said “no-one should be in any doubt the contribution has made” to the “massive strides in the borough” since the election.
“Our collective goals have been to restore the pride in the area and see it grow again by attracting investment and John can look back with pride at how far we’ve come with those achievements and the huge part he’s played,” he said.
“I respect and understand his decision, but in accepting it, I would also like to put on record my personal thanks to him for his support to me and other cabinet colleagues since we took control of the council and in helping us achieve so much in such a short time.’’
Opposition councillors have called for an investigation into Councillor Fenty’s business dealings with Mr May and whether there was any impact on the authority.
Alex May was convicted of fraud in 2014.
The club on Monday night announced it had rejected a bid by Mr May to acquire £1,000,000 of shares which would have been used as a contribution towards the cost of a new training facility for the club and local community.
They denied the application was a bid to acquire the club itself or a controlling interest in it.
A statement from the board said: “The board had previously made it clear to Mr May that because of his criminal conviction he could not become a director or be involved in the management of the club.
“He understood that position but nevertheless still wished to proceed with the share acquisition.
“However in all the circumstances the board declined to accept the offer.”
Mr May led a gang of con artists targetting elderly houseowners in 2007 in Manchester. He stole £3.5million and tried to steal another £3.3million.
Following his sentence he changed his name by deed poll from Alick Kapikanya.
A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesman said “We are aware of media reports around Mr Fenty and the football club this weekend.
“As with all other local authorities in the UK, the council recognises a distinction between a councillor’s personal life and their role as a councillor.
“As such, as this stage, there is nothing further the council would propose to say on the issue.”
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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.