A Lincolnshire councillor threatened by censure has apologised after calling a fellow member “irrelevant” during a row over ongoing councillor absence earlier this year.
In March, Councillor Ashley Baxter accused Councillor John Cottier of only attending a meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee in order to keep his allowance and avoid triggering a by-election.
After being told that his comments were irrelevant to the meeting at the time he responded: “Not as irrelevant as Councillor Cottier.”
On Wednesday, Councillor Baxter told the same committee: “It’s been explained to me that I have a choice of making an apology or facing a long and expensive process of facing censure which could potentially prevent me from doing my job as a councillor, so I have reflected on my options.
“In raising the issue in the first place I only meant to draw attention to Councillor Cottier’s attendance record, including his unexpected attendance at Governance and Audit Committee, but I understand that people have taken offence by my use of the word irrelevant and have taken it to be disrespectful to [him].
“It was not my intention to insult Councillor Cottier and I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused to anyone by my comment.”
At the time, records on SKDC’s website showed that since October 1, 2021, Councillor Cottier had not attended any of the eight meetings he was expected at and has submitted only one apology for his absence.
The Local Government Act 1972 states that when a council member fails to attend any meeting for six consecutive months from the date of their last attendance, they cease to be a member of the authority, unless the council accepts a reason for the failure to attend before the six-month period expires.
Councillor Baxter’s comments were called disrespectful and disgraceful during the original meeting.
However, Councillor Baxter said residents of Councillor Cottier’s Grantham Barrowby Gate ward would find his absence just as disrespectful.
“By coming here today he’s saved the authority some money by not having a by-election and he also keeps his allowances for another five months,” he said.
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A brand-new exhibition coming to The Collection Museum Microworld: Lincoln, invites you to explore eight digital worlds by moving, dancing, singing, and playing.
Opening on Saturday 9 July 2022, the immersive exhibition Microworld: Lincoln, is suitable for all ages. Made up of eight digital worlds – or ‘ecosystems’ – this artwork is filled with amazing colours, patterns, shapes, and artificial creatures that you can design and interact with.
This exhibition offers something for everyone; kids can explore the digital worlds with energetic interactions such as dancing, jumping, and singing. Families are invited to work together to engage with Microworld and create their own micro-stories. Programmers and creative coding experts can investigate the interacting algorithms and set the audience additional challenges.
In Microworld: Lincoln everyone becomes a digital artist, with the ability to add their own ideas and creatures using smartphones or tablets provided in the gallery.
Jenny Gleadell, exhibitions officer at The Collection Museum, said:
“This isn’t really like anything we’ve had in the gallery before. It will be fun and colourful, totally interactive and immersive, and completely unique for each person.
“We were able to preview some of the themes and ideas around the exhibition at the Lincolnshire Show last week, and there was a real buzz of excitement amongst visitors about seeing it for themselves when it opens. I’m looking forward to people’s reactions!”
An exciting programme of events and talks will invite visitors to enjoy this world-famous artwork in a variety of ways. Three, monthly, late-night openings will bring the perfect summer social to the museum, promising something for everyone to enjoy. A very special hybrid event will take place in the gallery, where the visitors will be able to virtually meet Microworld: Lincoln artists Genetic Moo.
Those who are looking for a more relaxed experience of this popular exhibition will be able visit our ‘Chilled Out’ sessions on Wednesday mornings from 9am to 10am.
Find out more about the upcoming exhibition and events by visiting www.thecollectionmuseum.com, or by following The Collection Museum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.