Council addresses rumours of Worksop councillor living in Australia

Images circulating on social media have suggested that a councillor for Worksop North has been in Australia.

A member of the public asked the latest full meeting of Bassetlaw District Council about the matter.

Ben Storey, an active member of Bassetlaw Conservatives, said: “Can the council please comment on the rumour that a council member for Worksop North is now living in Australia? But this councillor is still registered as a district councillor and is receiving an allowance?”

Speaking on behalf of the authority, council leader Coun Naish said: “The councillor in question has been spending time abroad to stay with their family.

“Given the sensitivity of this matter, impacting the councillor's health and well-being, it was discussed as a confidential item at the extraordinary council meeting in August this year.”

Minutes from the extraordinary meeting on August 11 show that councillors voted to exempt the councillor from attending council meetings until May 5, 2023, with 27 councillors voting for the dispensation, and five against.

Coun Naish added: “All the required procedures have been performed by the council.”

Jo White (Lab), deputy council leader, was approached for further comment. She said: “The councillor was taken ill whilst spending time with their Australian family.

“We all hope that they recover and are well enough to return home as soon as possible.

“Our thoughts are with the councillor right now and we wish them a speedy recovery.”

Coun Gerald Bowers, leader of Bassetlaw Conservatives, said due to the rules of conduct and confidentiality he was ‘unable to comment further’.

According to Bassetlaw Council’s website, latest figures show that councillors had £4,743.96 as an allowance for the year 2020-21.