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SALFORD COUNCILLOR ALLEGES ‘LOCAL GOVERNMENT SCANDAL OF THE DECADE’ AT SALFORD CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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Star date: 21st March 2019 SALFORD COUNCILLOR, ALMOST DRIVEN TO SUICIDE, BLOWS LID ON 'CRIMINAL OFFENCES' IN COUNCIL AS MULTI-MILLION POUND LAW SUIT PREPARED 'Dysfunctional Labour group...left me wondering on which beam I should hang myself from' Irwell Riverside Councillor, Stephen Ord, dropped a bombshell at the full meeting of Salford City Council yesterday when he alleged that the refusal of planning permission for the Crescent Police Station "is likely to turn out to be one of the local government scandals of the decade". In his final speech to Council before retiring, Councillor Ord claimed that Council officers, senior councillors and the City Mayor had turned a blind eye to allegations of planning vote swaying and misrepresentation of his views. He added that "There is a multi-million pound lawsuit being compiled as I speak and there is no doubt in my mind that criminal offences have been committed..." Full details here...
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Almost two years ago, the planning panel of Salford City Council refused an application by Stama Developments (Salford) Ltd to convert the old Police headquarters on the Crescent into 117 apartments and 23 townhouses, despite the local residents and local Labour Councillor Stephen Ord supporting the plans. Permission was refused on the grounds of design and green space. Since then, the Salford Star has been made aware of all kinds of allegations relating to dodgy happenings related to the proposed development which we have never printed as there was no hard evidence available. Since permission was refused, the Police HQ has been deemed worthy of demolition to make way for the Salford Council and Salford University Masterplan for the area, further revealed at property orgy MIPIM, in the South of France, this week. At yesterday's full meeting of Salford Council, Irwell Riverside Councillor, Stephen Ord, in his last speech before retiring, slammed both the Labour group of councillors, officers and the City Mayor, Paul Dennett, for his treatment since trying to get the matter investigated... "I wish to bring to your attention a matter of such seriousness that only an external investigation will suffice" he said, adding that "The issue of the planning permission refusal of the Crescent police station is likely to turn out to be one of the local government scandals of the decade..." He explained that, while he was too ill to attend the planning meeting for the Police HQ, he had sent a letter to the panel in support of the development which was not conveyed properly at the meeting... "I asked Chris Findley [Senior Assistant Planning Officer] how we could get this application back on track; he told me 'Steve I think a political decision has already been made'..." Having taken the allegations to the Council's Monitoring Officer, Miranda Carruthers-Watt, senior councillors and the City Mayor, Councillor Ord said that he got no response... "I knew then that something wrong was taking place". He added that a planning panel councillor had been phoned up before the original meeting by panel chair, Councillor Mashiter, "in an attempt to sway the vote"...but the councillor wouldn't come forward as they were afraid of being targeted by the Salford Labour Party "vile bullies" and "Mafia"... At this point, Deputy Mayor, John Merry, tried to have Councillor Ord silenced via a breach of the code of conduct, but Chief Executive Jim Taylor ruled that he could continue... Councillor Ord added that he had now listened to an audio recording of the planning meeting... "In it, Councillor Mashiter makes up a false statement that he attributes me, and my support and views were not related to panel members" he alleged "But last month an important development occurred. My council witness now feels able to tell the truth about what happened when they are questioned during an investigation. "Do not underestimate the predicament this stale establishment of group fakers has got us in" he added "There is a multi-million pound lawsuit being compiled as I speak, and there is no doubt in my mind that criminal offences have been committed." Councillor Ord ended his speech: "Now perhaps you can understand why I have chosen to retire. I simply can't serve the people of Salford whilst bound and gagged by this dysfunctional Labour group. This, and multiple other issues, has caused me no end of suffering and destroyed both my mental and physical health. "For half of my current term of office I slept up to twenty hours a day and was left wondering on which beam I should hang myself from" he said "I put on six stone in weight which I've since lost. I was not offered any help or support by these so-called socialists at any time...your continued and prolonged unacceptable treatment of backbenchers has to stop. We simply can't afford to lose great councillors like Paul Wilson. This kind of politics has dated, just as well as 'strong and stable..." In response, Deputy Mayor, John Merry, called the speech "disappointing", adding that he was "not going to go down into the gutter with him", and that no substantial evidence of planning or electoral fraud had been aired. Councillor Merry added that Councillor Ord's allegations were "smears" and that he was "appalled" and "outraged" by the attack on the integrity of officers and that the planning panel had engaged in criminal activities. Councillor Ord responded: "I don't know how I can be criticised for not providing the evidence when I have tried as many steps as I possibly can. I look forward to a full independent inquiry and will provide all the evidence at that time...When that's done I will be looking forward to an apology from Councillor Merry". Chief Executive, Jim Taylor, explained that there would be a request for a meeting with Councillor Ord to present his evidence and would be taking it forward; while City Mayor Paul Dennett, said that that the matter would be "investigated fully by the Deputy Monitoring Officer". It seems like an internal investigation will happen rather than an independent external investigation. Earlier in the meeting, Conservative Councillor Iain Lindley, who was also retiring from the Council at the meeting, reflected on his fifteen years as a councillor, noting that "This council chamber, in my view, has never been more intolerant of dissent...We have a culture where people can give out criticism but are horrified at the thought of receiving it back..."
To watch Councillor Ord's full speech and the responses see the webcast - click here [Two hours and ten seconds into the meeting)
For a full background on the Crescent Police HQ Planning Application – click here
See also update on the demolition of the Police HQ – click here
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wrote
at 15:12:39 on 15 April 2021 |
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| perhaps Mr Ord and Mr Sutcliffe should get together and compare notes. I suspect Mr Sutcliffe might not be aware about what has gone on in Salford. |
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Joe Muggins wrote
at 12:59:01 on 15 April 2021 |
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| I would like to here what Mayor Dennett has to say in reply to Mr Ords comments.
I would also like to here what Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham and GMP have to say in reply to David Sutcliffe’s election address are things has stated by Mr Sutcliffe true or not? |
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bob wrote
at 10:19:49 on 15 April 2021 |
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| I don't know about former Cllr Ords true colours, but for sure it appears he was telling the truth about the multi million pound lawsuit.The councils own QC lawyer blabbed it all out on her chambers website. A £6.5 million claim, plus costs, £10 million. I know I called Stephen Ord for not standing up to bullying from those two wet farts Merry and Dennett,and I apologize to him for that, but hats off to the guy for telling the truth. I would vote for him if I though he would win, thing is though, he is not, too many labour thickos in our city. never mind, just another day at the office. |
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Chris Smith wrote
at 06:51:50 on 15 April 2021 |
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| Well, Ord has shown his true colours now, hasn't he? Throwing his lot in with the far right, racist Brexiters like Farage and Rees-Mogg. |
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Bob the regular wrote
at 14:14:48 on 26 March 2019 |
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| These allegations of bullying remind me of the ones that were levelled against commons speaker Bercow.In that case, we had a man whose previous job was as an officer, on submarines in the navy,whose job it was no doubt to keep order and discipline among some of the toughest members of the armed forces,saying that a little wet fart like Bercow had bullied and upset him? Here we have a man, a businessman, said to be a landlord, used to dealing with all the grief tennants can bring, saying he is upset and bullied by the likes of Dennett and Merry. I am sorry but if you cannot stand up to two useless turds like these two, what were we paying you over 250 quid a week for? |
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Mary Ferrer wrote
at 08:20:56 on 26 March 2019 |
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| If our Labour run council are sqeeky clean, then they should have no problem with an Inderpendent body looking at the issues which have been brought to our attention in public meetings. Our elected members of any party should be able to challenge any decisions They do t feel is in the best interest of the residents and city.Bullying in any work place is not acceptable |
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wrote
at 11:41:12 on 25 March 2019 |
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| People always criticise the council, it’s what we do, but think about what would happen if they weren’t there. People will always criticise but too lazy to get involved, fair play to anyone who wants the thankless task of being a councillor, damned if you do and damned if you don’t. It’s far easier for most of us to play keyboard warrior under our own roof than get out and do something about it.
I do think that when councillors leave on bad terms as Ord and Wilson have, they do seem to then get a conscience and spill their version of their truth. Neither were going anywhere in this council and now have nothing to lose except their own self respect by running off to the press. Anyone with a brain can see its sour grapes.
The problem is the factions within each political party create the issues, and when they break down, you tend to lose councillors as has happened in both Labour and Tories in Salford.
If this was in print it would be tomorrow’s chippy wrapper. |
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Irwell Riverside resident wrote
at 09:32:37 on 25 March 2019 |
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| Stephen Ord, well Done for speaking out for Salford, counsellor Ray Marshiter has slowly wormed is way to the top over the years, allowing planning , driving the good Salfordians out, and at the same time blocking apartments being built facing his home, One rule for one and another rule for the others, Steve has been an outstanding pillar of the community until he became ill and I respect him for the hard work he delivered in his ward, I have seen and read hundreds of people criticising this Labour Party, and to John Merry, show a bit of respect for your community and get a bloody shave. |
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Rayofsunshine wrote
at 09:32:01 on 25 March 2019 |
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| Retired Reactionary Git,the thing that irks me about Mary Ferrer and Joe O'Neil is theìr dishonesty;they claim to oppose the cuts,whilst pursuing a right wing agenda of opposing the Labour
Movement in Salford. |
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wrote
at 04:41:05 on 23 March 2019 |
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| Thank god councilor Ord found the strength and courage to come forward and get all this off his chest. From what he was saying, it seems he was almost driven to the point of taking his own life. We should all get behind him and give him the support he needs.The points he raises do need to be looked at,but the question here is looked at by who? There are also at least 3 other suicides, of people connected to the council, over recent years that perhaps need to be looked at more closely. |
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Marc wrote
at 04:40:54 on 23 March 2019 |
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| Paul Wilson never got over being ousted as CLP chair quite unceremoniously and Stephen Ord has to have been one of the laziest councillors in Salford who didn’t get over the fact that he never got a cabinet position and also tried to get support to become Salford mayor and failed miserably because he was lazy. Not that he needed the money being a wealthy landlord owning LOTS of houses in Salford and elsewhere. As for lindley, never have i seen a more rude useless councillor, and that’s saying something having met both John Merry and David Lancaster. Roll on 2020 when everyone is up for elections as yes we do need to get rid of some of these councillors who have been here since the 80s and 90s on all sides! 3 year maximum terms for councillors and MPs in my opinion and it would solve a lot of the power issues that we see. |
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Retired Socialist wrote
at 04:39:59 on 23 March 2019 |
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| Ray Turfed off the gravy train? sorry I think Cllr Ord Retired, Cllr Wilson as a great record of working for the people, You ask do I have a personality disorder, why because I am sick of hearing your constant whining over Mary and others. People who have proved themselves in the political arena and you lacking the balls to try, or have you and that is why your so bitter!! You even add Git to add insult before you write, I think you need serious help and I believe meadow brook as a good reputation you should try it |
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Rayofsunshine wrote
at 18:30:20 on 22 March 2019 |
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| Retired Reactionary Git,all I'm trying to do is cast a degree of scepticism over the actions of Councillors Ord and Wilson - they only fess up when they are about to be turfed off the political gravy train!
Why is it,Retired Reactionary Git that you feel the need to use bad language/insults in your posts? Have you got a personality disorder or are you just thick? |
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send for the whitewashers wrote
at 14:23:25 on 22 March 2019 |
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| If the people taking legal action against the council play their cards right they are quids in. The council will just pay them out , put a gagging order on it and whitewash over the whole mess. Thats what they did last time something like this happened 7 years ago. If illegal acts have been alleged to have taken place, then its no good just moaning about it,the cops have to be informed. |
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Graham Jarvis wrote
at 14:23:08 on 22 March 2019 |
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| Yet again this labour council are going against the wishes of the people they are planning to build on green spaces which is against the law they should build on brown sites |
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Rossi wrote
at 14:22:53 on 22 March 2019 |
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| Ray, when are you gonna get real and see these shitehawks for what they are? As time passes you become more like that Iraqi Propaganda Minister from Operation Desert Storm. I think that the buffoon was called Comical Ali.
These people, these Councillors are never gonna be grateful to you Ray. They simply see you as a Useful Idiot. I know that you've probably kissed the Big Man's ring, and sworn allegiance to the "red flag, but these people are laughing at you. Just wake up and smell the coffee, okay? Stop distracting yourself with this foolish "My party right or wrong" mentality. And Miss Becky ... don't kid yourself Ray, Miss Becky's just like the rest. |
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Cody wrote
at 14:21:49 on 22 March 2019 |
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| The Star - I'm aware of the articles, I've read them - many others haven't though. I counter these arguments in daily life when I can, and I was just thinking of others who hear or see these comments online by the Mayor or Labour supporters. I believe reiterating the other half of the story is needed. |
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Retired Socialist wrote
at 08:26:45 on 22 March 2019 |
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| Ray why do you not get a life perhaps a toilet cleaner at the council in that way you can get closer to Labours arse holes. Can you not understand the seriousness of these allegations and if proved could offer one more strain on this councils finances, for a Councillor past or present to make such damning allegations the risk is monumental, the legal implications are mind blowing, the fact he was brave enough speaks in my mind how brave the man is. I wish him luck I hope he can prove how bent Labour really are. We need change in this city the time as come to clean out the old guard. |
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Salford Star wrote
at 06:28:05 on 22 March 2019 |
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| See Cody's comment below - on planning, how many articles can we write?? Had scores of articles on this - yes it's the Tory's National Planning Policy Framework; but it's also Salford Council's own policy of letting developers building 'high density apartments' and flats/houses in so-called 'low value areas' avoid providing affordable housing and other contributions. The Mayor's story is only half a story. Funnily enough the Council is currently changing its policy on this - with no admission that it has helped to create the affordable housing crisis by this bonkers policy and its other policy of bulldozing affordable houses and replacing them with unaffordable properties via Pathfinder etc. see a zillion previous Star articles on all this!!! |
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Cody wrote
at 06:19:34 on 22 March 2019 |
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| It’s interesting to note Merry tries to shut Ord down half way through his speech with a ‘standing order’, but Merry then goes on to say he’s a “... defender of free speech...”. Yeh, of course you are. I also listened to the Mayor saying that the Council has no choice but to let developers build and get away without paying fees because of a national government frame work and targets? I’m assuming The Star has got an article in the works to counter that comment? |
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Cody wrote
at 06:18:51 on 22 March 2019 |
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| Renegade - Drain the swamp? You’d have more luck sifting for gold in the Irwell. The fact it’s going to be an internal investigation means it’ll be whitewashed over. We need an impartial investigation from outside the Council, though I can’t see that happening. |
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Rayofsunshine wrote
at 06:18:13 on 22 March 2019 |
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| Yet again,a councillor suddenĺy dèvelops "a conscience"-funny that this only occurs at the end of individual's politicaĺ career!
Is such a revalation driven by guilt or an overwhelming drive to settle scores by disappointed
politicians? Note also how the jackals of the right,
Mary Ferrer and Joe O'Neil are milking these allegations for all they are worth! |
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Mary Ferrer wrote
at 21:35:30 on 21 March 2019 |
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| Now there is a surprise, shifty dealings going on within our Labour run council. What's their moto,something about being transparent and open.I am so glad they haven't been able to gag this councillor. I don't know him but he has my respect. Wonder will anymore have the bottle to say it, like it is |
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Renegade wrote
at 17:12:29 on 21 March 2019 |
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Dazza got it right wrote
at 17:12:22 on 21 March 2019 |
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| Dazza got it right. Let's send for the bizzies. All their arses will fall out then. I can hardly wait to see them blue lights flashing. |
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Paul Wilson wrote
at 15:46:30 on 21 March 2019 |
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| Councillors like Stephen Ord and I tried to change the Party for he better from within, and when it was clear we couldn’t change what I believe are a mortally corrupt style of politics, we have spoke out. I hope more members eee that trying to change the Salford Labour machine from within is not going to work and take decisive action to follow us.
I will be standing as an independent based on four core principals of:
Community
Honesty
Strength
Transparency
I hope more people join us to become independents working in Alliance for Salford people.
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Jeff wrote
at 15:46:26 on 21 March 2019 |
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| How much longer will Salford residents support this group of shysters? We need a clean sweep. |
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Dazza wrote
at 15:12:13 on 21 March 2019 |
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| These are serious allegations and the Police should be called in, also the taxpayers of Salford want an independent investigation not a brush it under the carpet internal investigation and if the Councillors want to come out of this with any sense of dignity they would want it external and independent as well. |
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Joe O'Neill wrote
at 15:12:01 on 21 March 2019 |
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| So from Labours senior members we hear again shouts of smears, how many times will we hear this? I can understand in attacking opposition members but when the attacks are aimed squarely at your own something smells rancid in this Labour Bolt Hole. I hope there is an investigation and I hope these Labour members throw down the gauntlet early instead of waiting for clock to strike leave or jump. |
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