Former Council Leader Receives An Apology & A Substantial Sum in Damages

Above: Mr. Theobald in the Council Chamber when he was
Leader of West Lindsey District Council

The Lincolnshire Echo has today published an apology to Mr. Bernard Theobald, the one-time Leader of West Lindsey District Council, for linking information about the council's operations, a planning application by Mr. Theobald and the dismissal of a member of the planning department. The paper summerised there apology saying:

"We apologise unreservedly to Mr Theobald for any distress or embarrassment caused by this error."

Although the periodical spent, however, the preceding seven paragraphs quantifying their apology and blaming a press release from the Council; apparently the connection between 'potential fraud and mismanagement' and Mr. Theobald's planning application was made, relying on a press release from West Lindsey District Council dated 24th September 2009.

Mr. Theobald, who was singer Barbara Dickson's manager before entering politics, brought proceedings in the High Court, in London. The former Leader of West Lindsey District Council and Chairman of the Planning Committee, was caused serious distress and embarrassment by the stories, said his counsel, Mr. Ronald Thwaites QC. The first article appeared in December 2009 and alleged there were good and solid reasonable grounds to suspect Mr. Theobald had committed fraud in relation to the application, which he had made the previous June. Three days later, the allegation was repeated and it was also claimed that Mr. Theobald had lied in denying the newspaper's claim that his planning application had resulted in a council officer's suspension and investigation by the Audit Commission. A third article appeared in January 2010.

Mr. Thwaites said:

"There was nothing to justify the allegations as published. The allegations made against Mr Theobald were completely false and should never have been published."

On behalf of the publisher, Mr. Manuel Barca QC, said it apologised 'fully and unreservedly' for the publication of the false allegations. It is understood that they have agreed to pay Mr. Theobald a substantial, yet undisclosed, sum in compensation and his legal costs.

Conservatives Cleared Over 'Inappropriate Behaviour' Allegations

Two members of West Lindsey District Council who faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been cleared following the investigation undertaken by Standards for England.

Standards for England have revealed that Mr. Adam Duguid, formerly Leader of the Council, and Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) did not breach the code of conduct when they met a suspended council officer last year.

The two men were accused of bringing West Lindsey District Council into disrepute after they were present at a meeting with a suspended council worker in September 2009. However, Standards for England has concluded neither man discussed a disciplinary hearing that was ongoing at the time.

Cllr. Parish was said to have acted out of 'genuine concern for the officer's wellbeing' whilst Mr. Duguid's behaviour was described as 'not likely to compromise the impartiality' of the council's investigation.

Mr. Duguid, who lost his Market Rasen seat at the local elections in May, told the Echo:

"I think they did a very fair investigation. There were plenty of opportunities to raise points. My only criticism was it took rather a long time to be sorted."

Bernard Theobald addresses
the council lst year.

Meanwhile an announcement made by Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, means that local residents may never know the outcome of a report by the Audit Commission - which is pending publication in to matters related to governance at the authority - after the body was announced that it is to be scraped with the loss of 2,000 civil service posts as part of government cuts. Doubtlessly Mr. Bernard Theobald, Mr. Duguid's predecessor as Leader of the Council, who also lost his seat in recent elections, is probably delighted at that news.

West Lindsey District Council Leadership Contenders Emerge

West Lindsey District Council's ruling Conservative group were left leaderless after voters in the Market Rasen Ward kicked out the council's leader Adam Duguid, who had become the Conservative leader in January earlier this year.

Following a net gain of one seat in local elections the Conservatives now have the opportunity to select a new group leader who will ultimately become Leader of the Council, and are expected to do so at the Group's Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 20th May 2010.

The first names to emerge into fray are Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Bardney Ward) and Cllr. Chris Underwood-Frost, Conservative (Scottor Ward). Two men from opposite sides of the district - Scotter in the north-west and Bardney in the south-east.

Cllr. Fleetwood previously held the position of Conservative Group Leader at the authority and is also a Lincolnshire County Council member representing the Bardney and Cherry Willingham Division. In previous contests Cllr. Underwood Frost has also feature as a possible leadership figure.

Cllr. Burt Keimach, Deputy Leader under Adam Duguid's leadership is also expected to enter the leadership contest.

Cllr. Geoff Summers, Conservaitve (Middle Rasen Ward) and Cllr. Jeff Summers, Conservative (Waddingham & Spital Ward) are both expected to enter the race for Deputy Leader.

Bernard Theobald Stands for Local Council in Referendum on His Record

The former Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward), together with his wife, Mrs. Deborah Theobald, are both standing for election for seats on the district council.

Cllr. Theobald is hoping to be re-elected as councillor for the Wold View ward on Thursday, 6th May 2010. He stood down from leading the authority last December, blaming an investigation by the Lincolnshire Echo into a planning application he submitted for his decision.

Cllr. Theobald faces stiff competition from Conservative candidate Mr. Tom Regis with Mr. David Kitchen for standing for the Liberal Democrats - who was kicked out of his seat by Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) in the 2008 local elections.

Mrs. Theobald has thrown her hat into the ring in the Market Rasen ward against current Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), who called for her husband to resign following the publication of the paper's article.

The Mayor of Market Rasen, Ken Bridger, who was kicked out of office last year by voters as the area's County Councillor, has also been nominated as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Market Rasen Ward.

Also joining the poitical battle at this election is Mrs. Cheryl Shore, the wife of Leader of the Opposition, Cllr. Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat (Stow Ward) - who is tardily engaged as the Liberal Democrats Candidate for the Parliamentary seat of the Lincoln Constituency. Mrs. Shore will contest the Scampton ward as a Liberal Democrat against local parish councillor Mr. Roger Patterson. the Conservative candidate. In a ward which was left vacant by the previous Liberal Democrat councillor who resigned in such a way that the ward has been without representation for six months.

The ruling Conservatives hold 19 seats, the Liberal Democrats have 13 seats, Cllr. Theobald's Independent Group has 2 seats and there is 1 unaffiliated Independent (and one vacancy).

A third, twelve in all, of the seats will be decided at the ballot box on Thursday, 6th May 2010 and Cllr. Theobald told the Lincolnshire Echo he was confident he had worked well for his constituents.

"We need to look very carefully at the use and misuse of public money.

"I think I have a very good track record which stands me in good stead. I think I have served the public very well in the last 11 years.

"It's the first time my wife has stood and she feels very strongly, again having stood on the sidelines, about what has gone on. She is horrified by what she sees as the misuse of position within councils"

West Lindsey Agrees to Idemnify Legal Costs Former Chief Executive and Leader

The Market Rasen Mail is reporting that West Lindsey District Council has agreed to indemnify the legal costs of former Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward) and or retiring Chief Executive, Mr. Duncan Sharkey, who is taking up a new post with Worcester City Council, if either is sued following publication of a report by the Audit Commission.

The Audit Commission report, which is believed to be critical of Cllr. Theobald's leadership of the authority, was pre-published, as a draft, to those concerned, for comment before final publication, last November and the Audit Commission had been expected to publish the full report in December 2009.
It has not yet done so because of legal challenges by Cllr. Theobald whose successor Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) said West Lindsey would act as a 'shield not a sword' for Cllr. Theobald and Mr. Sharkey. The paper reports Cllr. Duguid as saying:

"If either of them are sued, we will pay up to £10,000 if they are defendants in proceedings.

"If they lose a case, they will have to repay any amount paid. This does not cover criminal proceedings nor actions by the Standards Board and it does not cover Cllr. Theobald's legal expenses in presently challenging the Audit Commission report."

It is understood that Cllr. Theobald will be meeting with his legal team this week.

Four Councillors Referred to Standards Board for England

The Lincolnshire Echo reports today that for members of West Lindsey District Council have been referred to the Standards Board for England.

The, recently elected, Leader of the Council, Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) together with colleague Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) and Independent Group Leader Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward) and Cllr. Stuart Kinch, Independent, (Torkesy Ward) face allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The Standards Board has confirmed it is assessing a request to investigate allegations against Cllr. Theobald, Cllr. Duguid, Cllr. Stuart Kinch and Cllr Parish. The cases of the four men were referred to the national board by the district council's own standards committee.

Spokesman for West Lindsey District Council, Geoff O'Neill is reported to have confirmed to the paper that the complaints had been made by the Liberal Democrat Group and outgoing Chief Executive Mr. Duncan Sharkey, who it is understood had an increasingly strained relationship with Cllr. Theobald during his leadership of the authority.

As previously reported in the paper, Cllr. Duguid admitted meeting a council officer who had been suspended as part of an on-going inquiry into fraud and mismanagement allegations made against the authority's planning department. Leader of the Opposition, Cllr. Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat (Stow Ward) later alleged at a full council meeting that both Cllr. Parish and Cllr. Theobald were also present at this meeting. The Liberal Democrat Group at West Lindsey will want to make as much hay from this matter as possible in preparation for local elections on Thursday, 6th May 2010. They are fighting to regain control of the authority, which they lost two years ago, and have been sliding backwards, with two by-election defeats and one resignation, ever since.

The second issue which may require an investigation concerns a controversial planning application submitted by Cllr. Theobald to develop a house on land owned by himself, Cllr. Kinch and their respective wives.

West Lindsey District Council Leader Cllr. Duguid is reported to have said he was not surprised the issues were being investigated by the Standards Board and accepted he had made a mistake.

Bernard Theobald Fails In Bid To Rejoin Planning Committee

Related content 'New Political Grouping Formed At West Lindsey District Council'.

Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward) had requested to rejoin the Planning Committee on West Lindsey District Council after forming a new Independent Group. His request, however, was denied and he will now sit on the investigations and disciplinary committee instead following discussions between the authority's Chief Executive and the main Group Leaders.

At full council on Monday, 25th January 2010, Cllr. Theobald labelled his new position a 'hollow gift'.

Cllr. Theobald formed his new Independent group with another former Conservative, Cllr. Stuart Kinch, Independent, (Torksey Ward), last week in an attempt to secure committee seats for the pair.

Cllr. Kinch had requested to join the Organisation and Resources committee. This request was also denied. He will now sit on the Community and Waste Services committee plus performance management and scrutiny.

Councillors ratified the committee changes at their meeting and officially approved Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) as the new Leader of the Council and Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) as Deputy Leader of the Council.

New Political Grouping Formed At West Lindsey District Council

Related content 'Stuart Kinch Resigns for WLDC Conservative Group - Lib Dem Suggests' and 'Bernard Theobald Resigns as Leader of West Lindsey District Council'.

Two former Conservative councillors on West Lindsey District Council have formed a new political faction.

Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward), former West Lindsey District Council Leader, and Cllr. Stuart Kinch, Independent (Torksey Ward), have joined forces to establish a new Independent Group at the authority.

Cllr. Theobald quit his role as Leader of the Council in mid-December 2009, citing the Lincolnshire Echo investigating a planning application he submitted for a country house. Cllr. Kinch was part-owner of the land at South Owersby, near Market Rasen, included in the proposal, which was bought by the two members and their respective wives for £155,000.

The pair have been independent council members at West Lindsey since December, when Cllr. Theobald had his membership of the Gainsborough Conservative Association suspended for six months and Cllr. Kinch resigned from the Conservative party. Cllr. Kinch was Deputy Chairman (Political) of the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association.

The Lincolnshire Echo reported at he time that Cllr. Kinch had said his decision to leave was 'in protest' for the way the Conservative Group had handled the issue and turned it into a 'witch hunt'.

The two councillors have enquired about whether they can hold committee positions at the authority, however, Cllr. Kinch said it remained unclear whether this would be allowed.

Mr. Martin Vickers, Agent for Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association, said:

"With regard to Cllr. Theobald's relationship with the Conservative Party, it's unchanged. Bernard is suspended for six months while various inquiries go on and our association executive will review that in six months."

It is understood that Cllr. Alan Caine, Independent (Caistor Ward), the only independent on the council before Cllrs. Theobald and Kinch left the Conservative Group's whip refused to form a grouping with them.

Conservatives At West Lindsey Elect New Leadership Team - Update

Update to 'EXCLUSIVE: Conservatives At West Lindsey Elect New Leadership Team'.
Related content 'Leadership Contest Final Furlong' and 'Leadership Contest Speculation Begins'

The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) accepted his position via a text message sent from the United States of America, where he is on a skiing holiday. He received a text message informing him of his nomination for the leadership of West Lindsey District Council's Conservative Group and agreed to stand.

The paper report Cllr. Duguid as saying:

"It was all a bit confusing.

"I was away when it happened and I got a message saying I had been nominated and would I accept.

"I thought if people wanted me to do it, then I should accept the nomination and let them decide."

The appointment marks the end of a six-week search for a replacement following the resignation of Cllr Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward).

EXCLUSVE: Conservatives At West Lindsey Elect New Leadership Team

Update to 'Leadership Contest Final Furlong' and 'Leadership Contest Speculation Begins'

Cllr. Adam Duguid and Cllr. Burt Keimach, both representing the Market Rasen Ward have been elected by their Conservative peers to become Leader and Deputy Leader of the West Lindsey District Council Conservative Group. These two councillors will now, by convention, become Leader and Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council.

Conservatives met last Thursday evening and their decision will surprise readers of the Lincolnshire Echo, who had tipped Cllr. Ian Fleetwood (Bardney Ward) as frontrunner. Since Cllr. Theobald's resignation as the Council's Leader, Cllr. Duguid has been Acting Leader of West Lindsey District Council and served as Deputy Leader of the Council following the Conservatives' winning control in the 2008 local elections. It is understood that Cllr. Ian Fleetwood was made interim leader of the group.

Cllr. Keimach was first elected in May 2008, at the time Cllr. Duguid, commented:

"I am proud to welcome Burt as a member of the Market Rasen team. I know how committed he is to serving our local community through his service on Market Rasen Town Council."

It would have been difficult to forecast that Cllr Keimach would have emerged so quickly into a leadership position, speaing to the Lincolnshire Echo in mid-December Cllr Keimach said:

"We wanted someone with good political experience and all the qualities necessary for good leadership - lead by consensus and democracy rather than any other less inclusive qualities. We don't want anyone to take executive decisions."

Time will tell if this is the style adopted by the pair.

Two other Conservative councillors who were named as potential leadership candidates are now Chairmen of two important committees. Cllr. Chris Underwood-Frost (Scotter Ward) is now Chairman of the influential Planning Committee and it is understood that Cllr. Mrs. M. Davidson will become Chairman of the Organisation and Resources Committee.

At the request of the local Conservative Association this story was prepared on Friday, 15th Janaury 2010 and embargoed until 12:00noon on Monday, 18th January 2010.

Bernard Theobald Stands Down From Inter-Council Planning Body

Former Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward) has resigned as Chairman of an influential inter-authority planning committee before councillors could vote on whether to keep him.

The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that Cllr. Theobald announced yesterday he would be stepping down as Chairman of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee - which brings together four councils with the aim of getting better planning decisions outcomes within the region - following calls for his resignation. Cllr. Theobald was expected to lose the position after a motion was tabled that he should resign by the Leader of City of Lincoln Council, Cllr. Darren Grice, Conservative (Bracebridge Ward) and Leader of North Kesteven District Council. Cllr. Mrs. Marion Brighton OBE, Conservative (Heighington and Washingborough Ward).

Cllr. Theobald announced his decision to leave the post voluntarily as the committee met in Sleaford. He was asked to resign as Leader of the Council by his deputy Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), and has been suspended by the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association for six months as a neutral act. Cllr. Theobald blames the Lincolnshire Echo investigation in to matters related to planning at the council for being forced to resign and is understood to be seeking redress.

Cllr. Grice, who chaired the committee meeting in Cllr Theobald's place, told members:

"We are innocent until proven guilty. I will be having a discussion with Councillor Theobald after the meeting and the invitation will always be there once Cllr Theobald has ridden through the difficulties facing him.

"This is not a judgement on Cllr Theobald. It's about driving forward the very important work of this committee as it is bigger than one individual."

Cllr. Grice said this included all committee members and not just Cllr Theobald.

"I fully support him in his campaign against the Echo."

Former Leaders Chairmanship of Inter-Authority Body to be Examined

Update to Former Council Leader Continues to Lose Power and Influence.

A proposal to remove Cllr. Bernard Theobald, (Wold View Ward), who until recently was the Conservative Leader of West Lindsey Dsitrct Council, as chairman of a planning committee is due to be discussed. A motion to remove Cllr. Theobald as Chairman of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee will be considered in a meeting on Monday, 14th January 2010.

The former councillor resigned from his position as Leader of West Lindsey District Council at the beginning of December following allegations being made against him and the authority by the Lincolnshire Echo about a planning application to build a country house on land part-owned by two councillors, which Cllr. Theobald strenuously denies.

Cllr. Theobald automatically lost several positions including his roles on the East Midlands Regional Assembly, Lincolnshire Assembly, Local Government Association General Assembly plus the Local Government East Midlands General Meeting.

His position on the joint planning committee however, was not dependent on being leader of the district council. The committee was recently formed with the aim of allowing councils to work together to make better planning decisions for the region.

Former Council Leader Drops Planning Application

Former Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, (Wold View Ward), has dropped attempts to build a country house following rejection on appeal the Lincolnshire Echo is reporting.

Cllr. Theobald submitted proposals to develop a five-bedroom property on land he part-owns with colleague Cllr. Stuart Kinch, (Torksey Ward) and their respective wives for £155,000, before drawing up designs to turn the former sawmill site into a residential property at South Owersby in June.

The application was due to go before the council's planning committee with a report recommending it should be approved but was removed after serious concerns were expressed about it. Following the authority's failure to meet a statutory deadline to make a decision, Cllr. Theobald sent an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. But the former leader has now admitted defeat in his bid to build the property on the land after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed his case.

In the report, case inspector Alison Lea said:

"It is clear the council had concerns in respect of the approach adopted by the planning officer in the report marked draft/incomplete.

"Although the council failed to articulate those concerns in any detail, in my opinion the council did have substantive reasons to justify delaying the determination and this is not a case where development which should clearly have been permitted has been prevented or delayed.

"Indeed, I do not agree with the conclusion reached in the draft/incomplete report and have dismissed the appeal."

Cllr. Theobald said:

"It's a standard format – they look at the planning application, take a view and come to a decision.

"You never know which way it will go. That application has run its course."

BBC Radio Lincolnshire is also reporting that the a planning officer who was suspended by West Lindsey District Council has now resigned from the authority.

At a meeting of Nettleham Parish Council it was reported by Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), that Mr. Ian Dickinson, the Planning Officer who was responsible for the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's planning application had been sacked. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Terry Williams pointedly requested that Cllr. Leaning wished the minutes to reflect that Mr. Dickinson had been sacked and Cllr. Leaning confirmed that was what he had been told. The following morning Cllr. Leaning clarified, via email, that:

"Although I repeated what I had been directly told last evening - I now have been informed that Ian Dickinson has left WLDC by ‘mutual agreement’.

"He is briefing the temporary Head of Planning today on his outstanding work which will include the ‘Rugby Club’ application."

Leadership Contest Speculation Begins

The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that A former Conservative Group Leader has emerged as the favourite to take control of the West Lindsey District Council Conservative Group. Apparently, sources described as 'close to the Echo' - whoever they are - have revealed that Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Bardney Ward), is the front runner to replace Cllr. Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward) as the Leader of West Lindsey District Council.

Cllr. Fleetwood previously held the position of Conservative Group Leader at the authority and is also a Lincolnshire County Council member representing the Bardney and Cherry Willingham Division. The Lincolnshire Echo have clearly forgotton that whilst Cllr. Fleetwood may have once been a contender it is hard to fathom how, following the suspension of his driving licence for a drink-driving offence earlier in the year, he emerges as front runner. Cllr. Fleetwood also represents Lincolnshire on a number of committees at the European level and so is often out of the country.

The Lincolnshire Echo also suggest Councillors Lewis Strange, Conservative (Kelsey Ward), and Chris Underwood-Frost, Conservative (Scottor Ward), as also being considered for the top job.

Cllr. Strange, who is County Councillor for the Ancholme Cliff Division, is an unlikely choice following publicly defending the achievements of Cllr. Theobald leadership although he is genteel, personable and one of the longest serving members of the Conservative Group, it is unlikely that as a portfolio holder on Lincolnshire County Council he has the time to commit to also being leader a district authority.

Cllr. Underwood-Frost is certainly known to have some limited ambitions in direction of the leadership, he would likely make a good leader in the inter-rim but may lack a desire to steer the council in the long term.

According to the Lincolnshire Echo's report Acting Leader Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) and former Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association Chairman until March of this year, has ruled himself out of the running for the leadership but said he would continue as a 'caretaker' until a new appointment is made.

The paper omits a number of other likely contenders who would make good Group Leaders: Former Deputy Group Leader, Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward) and Chairman of the Council, Cllr. Mrs. Jessie Milne, Conservative (Lea Ward).

The Lincolnshire Echo suggest that a new leader could be confirmed at Monday's extraordinary council meeting or be left until the new year. I suspect that a Group Meeting will not select a new leader until after Tuesday, 22nd December 2009 and most likely not until the new year.

One change that is expected is to have two deputy leaders rather than the current system of just one. Following the Conservative Group's victory in the May 2008 local elections Cllr. Theobald was elected by the group as leader, Cllr. Mrs. Davidson was elected as Deputy Group Leader and Cllr. Theobald appointed Cllr. Duguid as Deputy Leader of the Council so having two deputies is not so unusual. If the leadership of the group changes there is also the possibility that other officers - such as the Chief Whip - may also be re-appointed.

The paper quotes Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen) as saying that an announcement would be made

"when the time is right".

"We have had a meeting about it and that is all I can say."

"We are satisfied with the progress made. We wanted someone with good political experience and all the qualities necessary for good leadership - lead by consensus and democracy rather than any other less inclusive qualities. We don't want anyone to take executive decisions."

Stuart Kinch Resigns from WLDC Conservative Group - Lib Dem Suggests

I have just been speaking on the telephone to a Liberal Democrat member of West Lindsey District Council who has suggested to me that Cllr. Stuart Kinch, (Torksey Ward) has resigned as a member of the Conservative Group on West Lindsey District Council. Whilst this report remains unconfirmed if true it is serious.

Left: Cllr. Stuart Kinch.

Cllr. Kinch was elected as a Conservative in the local elections of 2003 and subsequently re-elected in 2007 with a modest majority of 305 votes. In March of this year Cllr. Kinch was elected as one of the Deputy Chairman of the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association. Cllr. Kinch was elected as a Conservative County Councillor in June 2009 for the Gainsborough Rural South Division of Lincolnshire County Council.

It is unknown at this time if such a resignation would be consequential to the planning application sought for land purchased with Cllr. Theobald who resigned last week as leader of the council, and has been suspended from the local Conservative Party, and the Audit Commission report into the planning department at West Lindsey District Council.

The Documents, available on the West Lindsey District Council website, for the extraordinary meeting taking place on Monday 14th December 2009, where only the appointment of committees is to be transacted shows the names of:

"Councillor Bernard Theobald"

and

"Councillor Stuart Kinch"

highlighted together with a

"Vacancy (Liberal Democrat)"

which presumably is the space made by the resignation of Peter Heath in November earlier in the year.

Former Council Leader Continues to Lose Power and Influence

The Lincolnshire Echo is today reporting that Cllr. Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward), who resigned as the leader of West Lindsey District Council last Thursday will lose his position on six local authority groups following his decision to resign.

Cllr. Theobald quit his leadership role on West Lindsey District Council last week after allegations were made against him and the authority.

The Lincolnshire Echo investigation highlighted that a planning application submitted by Cllr. Theobald to build a country house on land he part-owned was under investigation. His own deputy Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen), then called for him to resign on Wednesday last week. Cllr. Theobald has been suspended from the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association.

The independent Audit Commission is expected to publish a report on governance issues at the council by Friday while its planning department is also under investigation.

As leader, Cllr Theobald was responsible for representing the authority on the East Midlands Regional Assembly, Lincolnshire Assembly, Local Government Association General Assembly plus the Local Government East Midlands General Meeting.

The Lincolnshire Echo report that Cllr. Theobald is required to vacate these roles along with positions held on the West Lindsey Local Strategic Partnership and the West Lindsey Local Strategic Partnership Strategic Housing Board.

A spokesman for West Lindsey District Council said:

"The seat on these organisations belongs to whoever is leader of West Lindsey District Council."

Cllr. Theobald's chairmanship of another group - the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee - will be discussed at its next meeting in the new year.

The paper report that Cllr. Theobald declined to comment. Cllr. Theobald has blamed the Lincolnshire Echo investigation as the reason for his resignation. It is understood he is seeking legal recourse.

Bernard Theobald Resigns as Leader of West Lindsey District Council

Cllr. Bernard Theobald (Wold View Ward) today announced his resignation as Leader of West Lindsey District Council.

Cllr. Theobald with David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party, during a tour of regeneration work in Gainsborough. Between Mr. Cameron and Cllr. Theobald, in the rear, can be seen Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson.

In a statement Cllr. Theobald said:

"On Tuesday of this week a report appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo under the heading, 'Revealed: The Truth Behind Planning Outcry' claiming that a planning application submitted by me has resulted in an officer's suspension and investigation by the Audit Commission.

"This report is wholly unfounded and has been passed to my lawyers.

"However, I am of the opinion that the aspersions cast on my reputation and integrity in that report make my position as council leader untenable until these accusations can be properly revoked.

"This report not only harms me but I believe, serves to bring the council and my colleagues into disrepute.

"I have therefore, with the greatest regret, decided to stand down from my position of leader of the council whilst challenging the accuracy and facts in this newspaper report."

Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), said:

"There is unease in the council about the political situation. Some councillors are not happy with the style of his leadership.

"The resignation will help us get our house in order. The question is do we clean the house completely in terms of leadership and committee heads or let some remain?"

Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward), said:

"I think he has done the right thing to step aside while all these things are looked into."

Cllr. Lewis Strange, Conservative (Kelsey Ward), said:

"I think it is all very sad for everybody concerned. Cllr. Theobald did many great things for West Lindsey and I can not comment further until I see the outcome of the Audit Commission [Report]."

Cllr. Kristan Smith, Liberal Democrat (Gainsborough East Ward), has said:

"The crux of the matter is that the Leader has lost the confidence of the
councillors, the public and the officers."

Former Labour County Councillor Mr. Phil Dilks said:

"I'm fairly certain that if Bernard Theobald were a Labour Leader forced out of office in similar circumstances, it would have been all over the Daily Mail and other choice publications by now."

Cllr. Theobald's membership of the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association has been suspended pending approval of the Association's Executive. It is understood that Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), is expected to take the role of acting leader until the next full council meeting.

"Resign" - Deputy to Council Leader

A resignation demand has been thrown down to the Conservative Leader of a West Lindsey District Council by his own deputy.

The Lincolnshire Echo are reporting that Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Adam Duguid, (Market Rasen Ward) says Cllr. Bernard Theobald's position is now ‘untenable’ following a series of ‘damaging allegations’. He added a change in leadership would allow the authority to move forward.

An investigation into allegations of fraud and mismanagement in the council's planning department is ongoing, plus the Audit Commission is conducting its own work.
A draft report has been completed by the independent watchdog with the final version expected to be finished no later than Friday, 11th December 2009.

Cllr. Duguid is quoted as saying that he took no pleasure from asking the leader to resign.

"There have been damaging allegations made about Bernard and I feel itmakes his position untenable.

"Like all these things, they may or may not be true. I don't think he has
done anything wrong. But this authority cannot move forward with this hanging
around."

Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association Chairman, Dr. Stephen Beer said he supported Cllr. Duguid's actions and instructions had been issued to suspend Cllr. Theobald from the local party.

Speaking to the Lincolnshire Echo, Cllr. Theobald refused to comment on whether he would resign.

"I will make my announcement as and when I having something to say."

Liberal Democrat, Opposition Leader Cllr. Reg Shore (Stow Ward) said to the Rasen Mail:

"I wholeheartedly agree that Coun Theobald needs to resign, but not only as leader but also as a councillor; this is the only way that I feel the council can begin to repair itself.

"We will then make it our job to ensure there are no skeletons in the cupboard. We will review in order to assess whether or not there are other issues for consideration.

"This may take time but at the end of the process I am convinced that residents will be reassured by these checks"

BREAKING NEWS: Council Leader Suspended

7:00am BBC Radio Lincolnshire ran a piece on the hour announcing that Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association Chairman, Dr. Steven Beer, has suspended West Lindsey District Council Leader, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Conservative (Wold Ward). Statement on this matter to follow.

7:30am BBC Radio Lincolnshire's news summary includes a reference that Cllr. Theobald will be making a statement later this morning.

More to follow....

Planning Controversy at West Lindsey Embroils Leadership

Further details emerged last night surrounding the investigations into alleged fraud and mismanagement in the Planning Department at West Lindsey District Council.

It has been alleged that Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Conservative (Wold View Ward) and a previous chairman of the council’s Planning Committee, submitted a planning application in June 2009 to build a country house on land at South Owersby. Cllr. Theobald it appears had purchased the land with council colleague Cllr. Stuart Kinch, Conservative (Torksey Ward) with their respective wives for the sum of £155,000.

The Audit Commission is currently conducting an investigation into governance issues at the authority, including the planning department. Potential problems in the management of the planning service had been brought to the council’s attention and an internal investigation was being carried out. One officer has been suspended as a neutral act.

At a stormy council meeting last night Leader of the Opposition, Cllr. Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat (Stow Ward) called upon the council to be transparent saying:

"You are all fully aware of what is at stake, as are the public. If you ignore these issues, you may not be forgiven."

The row centres in part on how much of the land had previously been used for residential purposes.

The report stated there was already a house and several static caravans on it, so it would be reasonable to build a five bedroom house there. However, residents and the parish council maintain the buildings had been used for livestock, so developing a large house would not fit within the allowed limits for the land.

The former owner of the land, Mr. Robert Carter, claimed in a letter to the council that he had received advice from council planning officers that such a large development would not be granted planning permission. He sold the land in October 2008 and said he would look for compensation if Cllr. Theobald's application was approved.

In confidential planning documents brought into the public domain by the Lincolnshire Echo, a report was written by a planning officer recommending the application should be approved. However, It was taken off the agenda just days before it was due to be discussed by councillors at a planning committee.

Cllr. Theobald has denied any wrongdoing and said he had no involvement in the planning process. He said his agents were in control of the application and he declared his interest at the earliest opportunity.

"I did not deal with the negotiations and I don't think Cllr. Kinch did.

"The application was handed over to my agents, I have not spoken to planning officers about it.

"I insisted the application had my name on it so there was no doubt of my involvement. I wanted everyone to be aware in the council and I declared an interest.

"There was no doubt I had a practical interest. I never had a meeting on that land about the land with any officer. I spoke to no-one."