Philip Jackson (Leader of NELC), John Fenty (former deputy leader) and Matthew Patrick (NELC Labour Group Leader).
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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Lincoln City winger Morgan Rogers has won the EFL’s Young Player of the Month award after some dazzling displays in March.
The Manchester City teenager, on loan at the Imps until the end of the season, scored three goals in seven games in March to pick up the award.
It comes as the 18-year-old’s influence on the team continues to grow, ahead of a League One promotion push at the end of the season.
Lincoln City currently find themselves in sixth place, hanging onto a play-off spot by a thread, with just eight games remaining of the regular season.
The England under-18 international said: “I’m really happy to have won the award and appreciate whoever chose me to win it.
“My aims now are to keep progressing and keep improving. I want to try and get as many goals and assists as possible but more importantly contribute to the team and make sure we’re winning games.
“I just need to keep learning and keep improving and see wherever this journey takes me.”
Next up for the Imps will be a home match against MK Dons on Tuesday, April 13, before two away trips to Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion on Saturday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 20 respectively.
The former Bishop of Lincoln, who was affectionately known across Greater Lincolnshire as Bishop Bob, has sadly died.
Rt Revd Robert Hardy CBE, who was Bishop of Lincoln between 1987 and 2001, died on Friday, April 9.
The Diocese of Lincoln said Bishop Bob was much loved and greatly admired for his dedication to the diocese and the people of the city.
Bishop Hardy was born in 1936 and was particularly known for his commitment to rural issues, as well as being President of the Lincolnshire Show.
He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2001 for his services to the Church of England, including being Bishop for HM Prisons.
He also served as honorary assistant bishop in the diocese of Carlisle during his retirement.
The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christoper Lowson, said: “I ask that we pray for Bishop Bob, giving thanks for his ministry, and that we also pray for those who mourn at this time, particularly his wife Isobel, and their children Ben, Alexander and Rebecca. Dr Isobel Hardy made her own caring contribution to Lincolnshire as a General Practitioner in Sleaford and Market Rasen while her husband was bishop and our condolences are with her and the family.
“May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
“Father of all, we pray to thee for those whom we love, but see no longer. Grant them thy peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and in thy loving wisdom and almighty power work in them the good purpose of thy perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
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