A Peel MHK has raised “grave concerns” after alleging the local authority used ratepayer funds to instruct a lawyer for a statement she describes as “verifiably inaccurate”.
Kate Lord-Brennan said the board’s release, which she says was drafted using a solicitor paid for by the public, was used to “malign a fellow commissioner for speaking up with valid concerns”.
On her Facebook page, Ms Lord-Brennan questioned why chair Ray Harmer authorised the use of public money for legal advice on the matter.
She also queried the board’s reference to an “internal investigation”, adding: “What, for someone speaking her mind, after raising things inside?”
Support
Ms Lord-Brennan voiced her support for commissioners Katryna Baptist and former member Hazel Hannan, who have spoken out on governance issues.
“Ultimately they impact the public,” she said. “Peel deserves better.”
Part of the issue is over a vote which the board denies ever took place. However, Glenfaba and Peel’s other MHK Tim Crookall has told Manx Radio: “The vote was definitely taken, in fact it was taken twice.”