Allegations of bullying against Greenwich Council leader Chris Roberts
made on this website are being investigated by the London Labour
Party, it's emerged tonight.
Roberts left a voicemail message for one of his
cabinet members threatening to sack them for suggesting a decision about the
staging of half-marathon Run To The Beat be taken by whatever
council is elected after May 2014's election, by which time the leader has said he would stand down.
The long-serving leader said the cabinet member should "should get it into your
fucking thick skull" that he would be taking the decision
about the race, not any future administration. The senior councillor concerned
is not being named.
The London Labour Party acted after Lewisham East MP Heidi
Alexander passed on concerns from her constituents, sent to her via Twitter and
via email, about what was happening in her neighbouring borough.
"We were made aware of the allegations earlier today and
are investigating the matter," a statement sent via Alexander says.
"Clearly these issues are taken seriously by the Party and
where evidence exists we will take action."
There has been no public comment so far from any Labour figure
in Greenwich borough.
Since Monday's story was published, this website has learned
further details about Chris Roberts attitude to the controversial Run to the
Beat race, which went ahead this year without a promised consultation with residents.
The leader has asked councillors not to copy him on in emails
about complaints from residents about the issue because a council charity he
set up, Greenwich Starting Blocks, benefits from sponsored runners.
Roberts claims this is because he has a conflict of interest.
However, the foul-mouthed voicemail makes it clear that despite that conflict
of interest, it is Chris Roberts that is making the decisions about whether the
race can go ahead - and not his cabinet members or officers.
The voicemail has been heard by many inside and outside the
Labour party locally, and I understand multiple copies of it exist. The London
Labour Party investigation now gives the opportunity for members who have the
voicemail, or other allegations of bullying, to blow the whistle on the way
they have been treated.
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