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ET Comment: In the spotlight for all the wrong reasons 19/05/2008



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ANYONE bestowed the title of Mayor of Peterborough has a duty to at all times be a standard bearer for the city as its first citizen.
Marion Todd has done that admirably in her year in office.

Such was her pride that she ordered the removal of a portrait of former mayor Mohammad Choudhary, jailed for vote rigging, from the mayor's parlour.

Councillor Todd has done the city
proud in her year. She has been a familiar, smiling face at countless events and meetings, representing Peterborough with dignity and pride.

Tragically she lost her beloved husband Patrick during her Mayoral year. Bravely, Marion continued with her duties, assisted by her daughter Lisa. Pat Nash has also served admirably during her year as deputy and will take over from Marion tonight.

Choudhary has brought the wrong kind of notoriety for the city following his vote rigging conviction and was jailed.

It also raises the question of why the city needs to appoint Gul Nawaz as deputy mayor.

He has a conviction for benefit fraud. Many say he is hard-working, and he is certainly popular with his constituents and has apologised to them following his conviction.

He has committed a crime and served his time.

But in putting him forward as deputy mayor, and almost all deputy mayors go on to become mayor the following year, he is being pushed into the spotlight as a civic representative. The fact that he served time in prison for benefit fraud will inevitably be discussed, as will the reasoning behind this controversial choice made by the Conservative administration.

Is it really the best choice for Peterborough? Is it really the right thing for Gul Nawaz himself? Or is it going to put the city in the headlines for the wrong reasons?



The full article contains 310 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 19 May 2008 10:18 AM
  • Source: Peterborough ET
  • Location: Peterborough
 
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Dan Jackson,

19/05/2008 13:52:21
It is a disgrace and just shows the lack of thinking that this will have on the city.
2

,

19/05/2008 14:24:49
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
3

City Centre,

19/05/2008 14:27:08
I am sick of the lack of public respect shown by the council. I don't care if he is sorry and has changed. I don't want this type of character getting paid public funds from my taxes nor do I feel he is trustworthy of making any major decisions on my behalf. Shame! I think this position should be voted in by the people. This is a democracy right? If so, why are we allowing council dictators to be at the top? This city is a nightmare. Time for me to take my well earned council tax contributations to another city.
4

woodcote,

Werrington 19/05/2008 15:00:02
One ex mayor in prison for fraud

One ex mayor due in court for fraud in June

Now a proposed deputy mayor, and likely mayor next year, who was in prison for stealing from the council he sits in

Good example to the youth of the city

Perhaps we now know why only a minority vote in local elections

Why are all those city councillors in the villages not considered for Cabinet posts-they seem to have responsible and professional jobs and no criminal record!
5

Ma Rainey,

Peterborough 19/05/2008 16:30:56
The Conservative administration have no idea of integrity or proper pride in Peterborough. They have abused the position of first citizen from the time they took over at the Town Hall. Instead of the post being non-political they reneged on the "gentleman's Agreement" to alternate between councillors who had served a long time from any political group. It is Tory all the way these days and it doesn't matter if the person has served the city well or otherwise.

This is the administration who offered the freedom of the city to a most inappropriate person but former Tory Leader who was famous for inspiring and developing the city's "pottyborough" reputation by spearheading popular prejudice including targeting blue badge holders, women councillors and the Irish.

When Gul Nawas was elected an investigation was swept under the carpet related to an anti-social behaviour order. The first thing the Tories offered Gul Nawaz when he got out of prison for housing benefit fraud was responsibility for the Housing Committee. How inappropriate can you get. Unless it is to make him deputy Mayor.
6

Hi-Tech,

Hampton sometimes 19/05/2008 18:27:12
And why do we need an ex-con as Mayor. What example does it set to the youth of P'boro. Hey, but he is from an ethnic minority so it must be good. My goodness...!!
7

Chiefy,

Bretton 19/05/2008 23:13:43
Well I give in! Peterborough has previously been referred to as POTTYBOROUGH and now for good reason the same name springs to mind.
Who on earth nominated this benefit fraudster to serve as Deputy Mayor?
The whole situation stinks and will have an adverse effect on any respect that Peterborians will have for the office of Mayor,Deputy Mayor and all others at the Town Hall.
Give us a break and immediately nullify the appointment of a convict to this position.
8

Chiefy,

Bretton 19/05/2008 23:16:38
Well I give in! Peterborough has previously been referred to as POTTYBOROUGH and now for good reason the same name springs to mind.
Who on earth nominated this benefit fraudster to serve as Deputy Mayor?
The whole situation stinks and will have an adverse effect on any respect that Peterborians will have for the office of Mayor,Deputy Mayor and all others at the Town Hall.
Give us a break and immediately nullify the appointment of a convict to this position.
9

bianca68,

Peterborough 19/05/2008 23:17:37
This man broke the law and is totally unfit for the position of trust to which he is appointed.

This shows the Peterborough people, all of us who are honest, decent, trustworthy and proud, that their efforts, their constant pleas for change, for honesty, for fairness, are all of us treated with contempt.

This is cronyism at its worst, this is an obliteration of trust, this is despicable, filthy and totally wrong.

We, the people of Peterborough should not and do not have to accept this. All those who voted in favour should be ashamed, and all those who criticise this move should be ashamed for not making their voices heard louder.
10

nnooop,

Dogsthorpe 20/05/2008 08:06:37
There is a way round this - refuse to recognise the new deputy mayor - do not invite him to functions. This will get the message across.
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