Resident seeks public apology after being described as a “nasty Tory” and “total d**k” by Labour leader

A member of the public has issued an official complaint to Warrington Borough Council after being described as a “nasty Tory” and “total d**k” by Labour leader Cllr. Russ Bowden, in another, leaked What’s App chat.

Neil Black, from Glazebury, who says he is not a member of any political party, but has delivered leaflets for local Conservatives over the years, says the messages were leaked to him via a Labour member who was “absolutely disgusted” by the comments.

Mr Black is now demanding a “public apology” after emailing his complaint to Warrington Borough Council’s Chief Executive Steven Broomhead and Matthew Cumberbatch the council’s Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer.
During the What’s App messaging Cllr Bowden described Mr Black as “another particularly nasty Tory,” going on to describe him as a “Total D**K” after Siobhan Carr stated she “had a few run ins with him a few years back.”
Mr Black from Glazebury, Warrington, said in his official complaint: “I have attached a screenshot of a disgraceful Whats App conversation that has reached me via a Labour member who is absolutely disgusted at the comments of a Leader and Candidate seeking election.
“I am not a member of any political party but am an occasional leaflet deliverer. What I am though is a resident and taxpayer who is appalled to appear as a target of the current dirty campaign that you seem to be running with another party leader about leaked Whats App messages.
“This [is]totally unacceptable from people seeking election, one the Leader in Birchwood and the other a first-time Candidate in Westbrook and Culcheth and is totally against the *Nolan Principles. Public faces and inner thoughts are totally different things.
“I insist on a public apology, hence copying to the local press.”
After being contacted for a response Cllr. Bowden said he did not comment on “private and confidential conversations.”
The latest What’s App leak is one of a number that have been taking place in the run-up to the local elections.
Earlier this month Cllr Bowden described a leaked What’s App message involving Tory Chairman Wendy Maisey as an “appalling level of vile personal abuse” describing her position as “untenable” and calling for Tory Top brass to take action against those “who peddled hatred.”
*The Nolan Principles relate to the seven Principles of Public life for people working in public office promoting a code of conduct for those in public life called the Seven Principles of Public Life.
Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
Integrity – Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
Objectivity – Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
Openness – Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
Honesty – Holders of public office should be truthful
Leadership – Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

This is the appalling level of vile personal abuse that we have sadly come to expect. Her position is untenable & the Tory top brass need to take decisive action against those who peddle hatred https://t.co/ojFrBG9vaL

— Cllr Russ Bowden (@CllrRussBowden) April 1, 2021