A councillor has apologised for his conduct at a meeting where he accused the council leader of using his position to 'orchestrate' the demise of a town’s market. Coun Bernard Wynne, of Middleton Independents Party, made a series of explosive claims about Coun Neil Emmott at a Rochdale council meeting in December - shortly after the authority stepped in to take Middleton market under its control.
The East Middleton councillor also suggested the leader had been supported in his endeavours by Coun Peter Williams and Coun June West - the chair and vice-chair of the Middleton Township Committee. He persisted in outlining his party’s ‘significant concerns’, despite Mayor Coun Ali Ahmed ordering him to stop and direct his grievance through the proper channels.
However, at a full council meeting on Wednesday night (March 22), Coun Wynne offered his ‘sincere apologies’ for his actions in December - which he said he now realised violated the council code of conduct.
READ MORE: Councillors back campaign against abuse of local politicians - but admit they need to get their own house in order
“I retract all I said in the meeting that caused offence by the manner and tone I used,” he said. “As a councillor it is my responsibility to set a good example and maintain a high standard of behaviour in my role.
"I am deeply sorry that I have failed to do so. I understand that my behaviour has caused concern and disappointment among my peers, colleagues and members of the council.”
Coun Wynne assured members he took the matter seriously and was ‘committed to making things right’.
