Bexhill councillor allegedly visited Battle with Covid-19 symptoms

Rother District Councillor Paul Courtel, who represents Bexhill Central Ward, was allegedly spotted by a fellow councillor in the High Street on December 23, despite experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and awaiting the results of a test. The test results came back positive the following day.

A letter sent to Cllr Courtel last week, which has been seen by the Observer, accuses him of breaching the Rother Labour Group’s adopted Standing Orders.

The letter claims that Cllr Courtel revealed in WhatsApp messages to fellow councillors he had been feeling unwell for six days when he visited Battle.

The Labour Group Whip was withdrawn on December 30. Cllr Courtel has 14 days to appeal the decision.

Cllr Courtel told the Observer: “I have had the Labour Whip withdrawn based entirely on a statement by a Liberal Democrat Councillor to which I have not been given the opportunity to respond.

“I have a strong defence that I shall be presenting at the appeal hearing.”

A spokesperson for the Rother Labour Group said he could not comment on individual cases, but added: “We take all breaches of Covid guidelines extremely seriously.

“It is vitally important that everyone follows the rules and government advice to help fight the spread of coronavirus and all councillors should lead by example.”

Cllr Courtel has also been suspended from the Rother Alliance, a group made up of Labour, Lib Dem, Green and Independent councillors, as an automatic response to the action taken by Labour..

Paul Courtel remains a Rother District Councillor.