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Further probe into council donations
ONE of the councillors at the centre of the so-called "tainted cash" row is to be investigated for his part in the controversy.
Conservative councillor Ron Bell's role in the donation of 10,000 to the Blackpool South Conservative Association by Kensington Developments has been referred to the Standards Board for England.
The decision was made after a complaint by Labour councillor Simon Blackburn.
Another Conservative councillor, Jim Houldsworth, will also appear before the Standards Board in connection with the donation.
Coun Blackburn claims Coun Bell, who is the Tory candidate for the Blackpool South seat in next year's general election, failed to uphold the council's Code of Conduct.
He said: "The Labour group wanted a full explanation of Coun Bell's role in the matter of these two donations. It appears clear this money was earmarked for his campaign as the prospective Conservative candidate in the forthcoming election.
"It's noteworthy Coun Bell has not signed the letter by council leader Peter Callow, in which 21 of his colleagues state they knew nothing of the donations."
Coun Blackburn's complaint went before a specially convened meeting of the council's own standards committee, made up of Coun Don Clapham (Conservative), Coun Robert Wynne (Liberal Democrat) and Peter McCarthy, an independent member of the committee.
He added: "I was asked to make a complaint on behalf of the Labour Group and I'm pleased the Assessment sub-committee clearly take that complaint seriously to the extent they have referred it to the Standards Board for England to determine.
"In the interests of transparency and to protect the reputation of Blackpool Council, it's vital that the public know exactly what role was played by Coun Bell in this matter."
Coun Bell said: "I'am not surprised to have been referred by the Labour group for what is a completely insidious and spurious complaint.
"This is typically the old style Labour way of dealing with things by attacking people's character even when unfounded and is no more than their attempt to prop up a failing government and an unpopular local MP.
"I'm sure the people of Blackpool will see it for exactly that. Out of 27 councillors I’m the only one that Labour has referred and I happen to be the Parliamentary candidate.”
Controversy
The Blackpool South Conservative Association received two donations of 5,000 from Kensington – the first in July 2008 and the other in May this year.
They sparked controversy because the house builder has applied for planning permission to build hundreds of new homes on Marton Moss.
Twenty one Conservative councillors have signed a letter saying they knew nothing about the donations, but Coun Bell is among six members who have not signed.
The money was returned after an investigation by the North West’s senior Tory, John Walsh after it was decided that accepting it had been “inappropriate” although the donation had been properly recorded.
Coun Jim Houldsworth, will also appear before the Standards Board.
He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to reveal my innocence and be able to expose the full story, which I have been prevented from saying.
“My part in the investigation is to reveal the knowledge I have regarding this donation controversy, which will show many of the current claims to be false.”
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 27 C
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