F-word used during fiery exchanges in city meeting.
Milton Keynes Conservatives have accepted they made misleading statements about proposed cuts to the city’s fire service after City Council members, including Conservatives, voted to condemn misinformation being circulating to the public.
During a fiery debate, the council heard how Conservative claims that cuts had been proposed by the Fire Authority were untrue.
Councillors supported the need to adapt and improve fire cover across Milton Keynes and would make clear to the Fire Authority that any reduction in operational capacity could not be supported.
“The Conservatives have had to admit their claims around changes to fire services are false and misleading,” said Cllr Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council.
“It is clear no proposals have been made to cut fire services in Milton Keynes, and they were wrong to claim otherwise.”
During the meeting Cllr Marland was criticised for using a swear word after a 15 year old student had made a speech about the proposed fire cuts. It was claimed he said ‘F*** off’ following the member of the public’s presentation.
The remark was highlighted by Peter Geary, Conservative Councillor for Olney.
“It was shocking,” Cllr Geary told MKFM. “In 18 years of attending City Council meetings, I have never heard anything like it. He is the leader of the council – he is someone who should be setting the tone, not speaking like that to a 15 year old boy who came to give his view. It’s not acceptable.”
Cllr Marland issued an apology following his remark.
“At the end of a speech from a member of the public I did make a remark, off microphone, that some people in the chamber did hear,” he said.
“I immediately took responsibility for the comment and quickly apologised to the council and to the member of the public as the words were not appropriate for a public meeting, and I am sorry.
“However, I want to make clear that the remark was not directed at anyone and to claim so is untrue.”
“You cannot utilise that kind of language in a debate,” countered Cllr Geary. “Although he has issued an apology, I don’t think this will be the end of it.”
To watch the full exchange click here.
