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Councillor accused of bullying could face suspension

A LibDem councillor could face suspension after being accused of bullying a council officer.

Sue Palmer, who represents the Old Town ward, is due to stand before Hastings Borough Council's standards committee next week after an email she sent to members of the public attacked local planning officer Tim Cookson.

This email, which was sent to five members of Harold Road Action Group and discussed a planning application in the Harold Road area, was then forwarded to Mr Cookson and eight other residents - resulting in the official complaint.

Cllr Palmer now faces accusations of failing to treat others with respect, bullying and bringing the local authority into disrepute.

If found guilty she could be suspended for anything up to six months, or have her council privileges removed. She may even be asked to stand down by her party. This would force a bi-election in the hotly contested Old Town seat. Last time there was an election in Old Town, LibDem leader Richard Stevens held on to his seat by the skin of his teeth after beating his Conservative rival Stuart Padget by drawing lots.

Cllr Palmer currently sits on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and enjoyed a previous stint on the Planning Committee. During one of these planning meetings, Cllr Palmer was heavily criticised after saying she was opposed to a scheme because it was not LibDem police to build in back gardens despite being required to leave any party opinions at the door.

LibDem parliamentary spokesman Nick Perry said: "I don't know the details of these allegations but I do know that Sue Palmer works hard for the Old Town and will continue to do so."

Should Cllr Palmer set down? Is this a storm in a tea cup? Leave your comments below.


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Monday 28 May 2012

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