Slander allegation leads to clash between Biggleswade mayor and councillor

The clash of opinions involves Biggleswade mayor Madeline Russell and the town’s Independent Central Bedfordshire councillor Hayley Whitaker.

Some of their differences have already been aired on social media and at a previous town council meeting.

In March, the mayor told the town council that councillor Whitaker had apparently made a "formal complaint" to CBC's monitoring officer and the local government ombudsman about the way the town council was preparing its neighbourhood plan.

But Councillor Whitaker responded via email after the meeting and asked for a retraction, saying: “At no time have I made a formal complaint, as you accused.”

At last week's annual town meeting, the extent of the rift between the two local politicians became clear.

Councillor Russell stated: “Councillor Whitaker has accused me of slander... the issue seems to be whether the complaint was formal or not."

The mayor said she had got her information from the Councillor Whitaker's Facebook page.

She said: “On February 24, Councillor Whitaker posted: ‘I have contacted the CBC monitoring officer to raise these concerns’

"She later posted: ‘I have already taken this to the monitoring officer, who has taken legal advice and devised a plan. If things continue unchanged, I will also refer to the local government ombudsman’.

“I fail to see what the difference is between what Councillor Whitaker posted ‘raising these concerns with the monitoring officer’ and a formal complaint,” added councillor Russell.

“In light of the above, I have to tell Councillor Whitaker that there will be no retraction and no public apology.”

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Whitaker said: “I wasn’t surprised by this response and fully expected my request for an apology would be refused.

“I am currently discussing this with colleagues, including the CBC monitoring officer.

“No formal complaint was ever made. It was always informal.

“I initiated discussions with the local government ombudsman, but haven’t progressed with them yet.”

Asked about the conflict of opinions, Councillor Whitaker said this was a "typical political disagreement" and that it was "commonplace in local politics”.

She added: “I am always happy to discuss anything amicably with the mayor.

“Indeed, immediately before her statement, I had suggested the council apply to me for ward councillor funds to replace the defibrillator on the market square, and that offer still stands.

“I would hope that we can put any personal and political differences aside for the benefit of the residents of the town.”

Councillor Whitaker also defended her Facebook page, saying she has more than 1,000 followers and that “it’s a great way to converse with residents”.