Bracknell politician keeps job after nail-biting vote

Members of the Conservative group had attempted to eject councillor Malcolm Tullett (Independent Conservative, Old Bracknell) from his chairmanship roles on Bracknell Town Council.

The Conservative group introduced a motion to replace Cllr Tullett with a new Chair for the Environmental Services Committee and the Mill Park Working Group.

The attempt was made following Cllr Tullett’s resignation from the borough Conservatives and subsequent suspension from the town council Conservative group.

Labour councillors hopped onto the meeting to defend Cllr Tullett and lambast the Conservatives.

READ MORE: Former Bracknell Conservative reacts to being booted from his responsibilities

Members of the Conservative group repeatedly denied that there was a ‘conspiracy’ to oust Cllr Tullett to punish him for resigning from the borough Conservative group earlier this month.

Discussion of the motion descended into a fierce debate during a meeting of the Environmental Services Committee held on Zoom.

Cllr Danielle Turner (Labour, Crown Wood) said: “As town councillors we are here to provide safe green spaces and a sense of community to the residents, I can’t help but feel extremely saddened by the fact that political infighting with the Conservative group at borough, is now spilling into the town council.

“Over the years I’ve been incredibly proud, that politics aside, we’ve all worked really hard together, and we’ve achieved some wonderful things. Sadly, I think that’s being undermined at the moment.”

On the motion to boot Cllr Tullett out of his position, she said: “I think it’s all been done to please the Conservative whip at borough, that’s my personal opinion, I’m asking all of you who have voting rights to think long and hard about what’s best for residents, not political gain. Why are we getting rid of an effective and hard working chair?”

Her arguments were supported by Cllrs Paul Bidwell (LAB, Priestwood) and Mary Temperton (LAB, Great Hollands North) who were also in the Zoom meeting.

Councillor Malcolm Tullett, representative for Old Bracknell. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

The motion was submitted by the town mayor Cllr Sanjeev Prasad (CON, Bullbrook)  and seconded by Cllrs Jennie Green (CON, Garth), Anna

Kempster (CON, Hanworth) and Lizzy Gibson (CON, Great Hollands South).

However, newly elected Tory Cllr James Alexander (CON, Great Hollands South) defied the move from his party colleagues. He said: “Since I’ve joined this council, all the information I’ve been given as to the performance of Cllr Tullett is that he has served this council, committee and the working groups, and thereby the residents, well. To date, I have been given no reason or issue whereby his removal would be justified. There’s been nothing round his performance, his behaviour, or treatment of staff, officers or other councillors. Therefore I can see no reason according to our rules why he should be removed.”

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker (Conservative, Crown Wood) wanted to respond to allegations that there was foul play. Cllr Brunel-Walker, who was calling into the meeting while on holiday on the South Coast, said: “My statement is addressing those who think there’s some kind of great conspiracy, some act of vendetta from another place.

“I’m insulted by that, I think we’re all insulted by that because it’s an attack on the integrity of the councillors on this council, which is really sad when we’re in the position where mud is being slung in such a way by the opposition who are trying to score points. There is no conspiracy, there is no attack, there is no whipped decision. This council is sovereign. I’m aghast at it.”

On his move to try and replace Cllr Tullett, Cllr Prasad said: “I haven’t taken this decision lightly, I could have withdrawn the motion, but I have not. The reasons I’ve got are very clear to me. First and foremost, it gives new members the chance to come in and play their part. Secondly, and most importantly, I have battled with this over the weekend, and I have deliberated, and worked through this very thoroughly.”

READ MORE: Sparks fly at Bracknell meeting as Conservatives are accused of packing committees

Cllr Prasad was backed up by Cllrs Gibson and Kempster.

The vote was a four-four tie, with Conservatives Cllrs Alexander and Stuart Foston (Old Bracknell) defying their party's motion to join Mary Temperton and Cllr Tullett in voting against the plan. The vote was not whipped on party lines.

Meanwhile, Cllrs Prasad, Gibson, Green and Kempster voted to elect a new chairperson.

Because the vote was a tie, the chairman is given the casting vote, which meant that Cllr Tullett was able to keep his position.

Having survived the Tory proposal, Cllr Tullett, said: “Unfortunately, the motion fails.”

He went on to explain that, according to council rules, a similar motion to remove him cannot be introduced for a further six months.

The drama unfolded at the meeting of Bracknell Town Council yesterday (Tuesday, July 27).