Calls to suspend Sandwell Council leisure boss over ‘lewd phone messages’

Labour-controlled Sandwell Council's leisure boss, Richard Marshall, has been accused of making 'degrading' and 'humiliating' remarks about councillors' Maria Crompton and Olwen Jones.

The alleged comments contain a reference to one councillor being involved in a sexual act.

They are said to have been made in a Whatsapp chat with a member of the public, who then shared the remarks with the councillors in question.

Outraged West Bromwich West MP Adrian Bailey has written to Labour party general secretary Iain McNicol demanding Mr Marshall be immediately suspended.

He blasted senior regional party officials for 'failing to investigate' the allegations, and said: "Both councillors have been devastated by the humiliating and personally abusive nature of Councillor Richard Marshall’s remarks.

"I cannot see how the Labour party can expect these two women to work alongside him in the Sandwell Council chamber after suffering this attack."

The episode is the latest scandal to hit the borough's Labour group, which has descended into civil war since the death of former council leader Darren Cooper in March last year.

It comes amid growing concerns over a culture of bullying in the current administration, which Councillor Crompton says is being swept under the carpet by the party and council leader Steve Eling.

"The comments are absolutely shocking and have caused a great deal of distress, both to myself and to Councillor Jones," said Councillor Crompton, who represents Tividale.

"How we can possibly be expected to sit in the same chamber as someone who has said such awful things about us?

"I have made complaints to the Labour party and to the council leader but nothing seems to happen. I feel we are victims here but our concerns are being ignored."

In his letter to Mr McNicol, Mr Bailey likened the allegations to those against Labour MP Jared O'Mara, who the party suspended over claims he made misogynistic and homophobic comments.

"I have shown the evidence to senior female Labour MPs and they agree with me that they are every bit as serious as the allegations against Jared O’Mara, which have resulted in his suspension," he wrote.

"If the Labour party is to convince the public that it is serious about dealing with bullying and misogynistic behaviour then it needs to act consistently and immediately."

Speaking on behalf of his wife, Wednesbury South councillor Olwen Jones, Councillor Ian Jones said: "The revelations that have come about through social media that there seems to have been an industrial-scale campaign by senior councillors within the Sandwell group are shocking.

"The content of some of them is vile and abusive and has no part in any political party.

"I think the party has to try to first suspend and then investigate, to find all the facts. That is the course of action we would be requesting.

"The sad part is the response we have had so far from officers has been minimal, even though Olwen had sent emails complaining.

"All she had was auto-replies with no email acknowledgement to these what seem to be very serious allegations of a sexual nature and harassment."

A spokesman for Labour said: “The Labour Party takes allegations of sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination extremely seriously.

“When evidence of misconduct comes to light, all appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in line with the party’s rule book and procedures.

“The party has been working with its affiliates to develop a procedure specifically designed to deal with complaints of sexual harassment in order to improve internal processes and make it easier to report concerns.”

Sandwell Council's Labour group has split into rival factions since Mr Eling won a contentious leadership election in May 2016.

His defeated opponent, Councillor Yvonne Davies, was suspended last week over claims of 'inappropriate behaviour'. She has vowed to fight the allegations.

Smethwick councillor Mr Marshall, who was declared bankrupt earlier this year following allegations that he failed to repay a loan, did not respond to the Express & Star's request for a comment.

Mr Eling declined to comment.