'Hypocrisy' claim after zero tolerance abuse pledge

'We have a responsibility to be respectful to others'

A foul-mouthed outburst which stunned a Devon council chamber has led to a zero-tolerance pledge.

Teignbridge Council's July meeting was stopped in its tracks by the outburst after a row broke out around questions about sports centre changing facilities.

Three members of the public asked about the way leisure centres treated trans people, before council chair Cllr Rosie Dawson (Lib Dem, Dawlish NE) enforced the meeting’s rules to stop them from making statements on top of their questions.

Amid heated discussions, a furious Cllr Liam Mullone (SD Alliance, College) accused Cllr Dawson of behaving like ‘a teacher’ or like ‘the police’, using four-letter words as he did so. Cllr Mullone, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, then walked out.

An investigation is under way into the events of the meeting.

Members gathering for the October meeting of the council were concerned the incident had not been noted in the minutes, and voted to have it included.

“Given the scale of what happened, I think it’s remiss not to acknowledge it,” said Cllr Andrew MacGregor (SD Alliance, Bishopsteignton).

Council leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) told the meeting: “We as councillors have a responsibility to be respectful to others. There is a place for political debate, but a wise counsel counselled me to play the ball and not the player.

“I and my fellow councillors will not tolerate abuse and intimidation against the chair of the council. We won’t tolerate abuse to any council officer or member of the public.

“If this is repeated by any councillor, the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Independents will take a robust stand.”

However, Cllr Jane Taylor (SD Alliance, Kerswell with Coombe) said that while she backed Cllr Keeling’s pledge, the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives had "short memories."

She went on: “Although we have taken this stance now, we have had many examples over the years of bullying, intimidation and misogyny in this chamber.

“It is commendable that you’ve done this, but I think it’s quite hypocritical. In the past, you have overlooked these very issues.”