Opposition councillors at North East Lincolnshire Council are calling for the authority’s leader Councillor Philip Jackson to step down after revelations over business links between his former deputy leader and a convicted fraudster.
Conservative councillor John Fenty stepped down in December after his business relationship with Alex May, who was previously convicted and jailed for six years for his part in a multi-million pound scam.
He had started a company with Mr May, who had also expressed an interest in Grimsby Town Football Club and, according to documents, attended meeting with senior councillors and council staff.
At Thursday’s full council meeting a motion from Labour Councillors, who have called unsuccessfully for an independent investigation to be carried out, will now call for the leader’s removal.
Labour Opposition Leader, Councillor Matt Patrick, said: “Events last December shook the credibility of the council cabinet to the core and councillor Jackson has failed to take decisive action to try to repair the damage to the image of his administration.
“Council leaders can never afford to be seen to put the needs of their friends above that of the community they serve, and Councillor Jackson has done nothing to prove this, this is why he needs to stand down and let another member of his group take the reins of leadership to give the whole council the fresh start it needs.”
Alex May was convicted of fraud in 2007.
However, Councillor Jackson has hit back at the motion.
He said: “I totally refute the allegations being made by councillor Patrick and his Labour colleagues.
“This is clearly political posturing on the run up to the local council elections on 6 May.
“I will have more to say in response at the Full Council meeting on Thursday evening.”
Humberston and New Waltham councillor Stan Shreeve was appointed as the new deputy leader of the council following Councillor Fenty stepping down.
Mr May led a gang of con artists targetting elderly houseowners in 2007 in Manchester. He stole £3.5 million and tried to steal another £3.3 million.
Following his sentence he changed his name by deed poll from Alick Kapikanya.
Councillor Fenty said the company the pair had created had never started trading and that they were no longer business partners.
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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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