Councillor suspended by Ashfield Labour Group

Huthwaite and Brierley Lee Anderson, is now being investigated by his fellow Labour councillors.

While he’s not been suspended by the Labour Party, he has been suspended by the ruling Labour group on Ashfield District Council pending an investigation.

His suspension will be discussed at a meeting this evening.

Coun Anderson said he did not want to comment ahead of the meeting.

A spokesman for the The Ashfield Labour Group said: “We take all claims of racism extremely seriously. Whilst Councillor Anderson’s actions may be inappropriate, we do not believe this was racially motivated. The Labour Party is proud of its record of tolerance and diversity.

“The Labour Group authorised an investigation to take place, the results of which will be reported to the Group.

Once this report has been presented (Lee will be involved in this and be able to present anything he wishes), Group then will accept or reject any recommendations put forward.”

Coun Anderson has been issued with a community protection warning by Ashfield District Council after placing boulders to deter travellers from setting up camp at a site in the area.

Posting on Facebook, Councillor Lee Anderson, Ashfield District Council member for Huthwaite, said: “I received a call to advise me I had carried out a fly-tipping offence.

“I have been issued a community protection warning and if I do not remove them I will be fined.”

The letter informs him he has 14 days to comply.

Hundreds of residents signed a petition calling for Coun Anderson to stand for another term as Labour councillor for Huthwaite and Brierley.

The controversial councillor was told that he had not been successful in his selection process bid to be a Labour candidate in the Ashfield District Council elections.

However a spokesman for the Ashfield Labour Group said: “It is not yet known who will be on the ballot in May 2019 as the party hasn’t begun the process of selecting candidates. Interviews have taken place, but the outcomes are a matter for the local party branches who will choose their own candidates.”