Following a failed attempt by a coalition of disaffected ex-Conservative and Green councillors to remove John Boughtflower as Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Boughtflower has issued the following statement:
“Sadly, a minority of councillors on Spelthorne Borough Council have pursued an unpleasant and highly personal campaign against me. At a time when our focus needs to be on our residents and communities, it seems this minority group of councillors have other priorities. My belief – one shared by the majority of councillors – is that our focus must be on helping the most vulnerable, the elderly, the local businesses who provide jobs and security, our communities, and the many volunteers who provide essential services and support.
Although I have been subjected to intolerable levels of personal abuse from a minority of councillors
and their small group of supporters, it is my commitment to serving Spelthorne residents which has kept me going.
I know many residents listened to the last council meeting. Quite rightly they were appalled at the antics of a small minority of opposition councillors. Sadly, the behaviour of this noisy minority does not reflect well on us a council. It risks damaging our reputation and undermining the hard work undertaken by the vast majority of councillors, our staff and officers. I hope residents will accept my reassurance that the behaviour of those few is not representative of our council and councillors.
I have been genuinely overwhelmed by the many messages of support received from residents, community organisations, and councillors and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and best wishes.”
