09.01.18
Windsor council could lose leader after ‘aggressive begging’ comments
The leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, faces a vote of no confidence after suggesting homeless people should be removed from the area before this year’s royal wedding.
Cllr Simon Dudley was heavily criticised after his comments, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition condemning his comments.
However, opposition councillor Wisdom Da Costa, has confirmed this week that his group has requested a motion of no confidence in the leader, on the grounds that he has “brought the council and councillors into disrepute.”
Dudley’s statements even attracted the attention of prime minister Theresa May, who is MP for Maidenhead, who said she disagreed with what was said.
The comments were outlined in an open letter sent to Thames Valley’s police and crime commissioner, Anthony Stansfield, in which Dudley referred to anti-social behaviour such as “aggressive begging and intimidation.”
In accompanying tweets, he also said there was an “epidemic of rough sleeping and vagrancy” in Windsor which needed to be focused on before the royal wedding.
More information about the outcome of the no confidence vote is expected in the coming weeks.
Top image: Steve Parsons PA Wire
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