Storming out of a Remembrance Day service in protest at what he perceived to be support for the war in Afghanistan has led to a Cowes town councillor being rapped over the knuckles.
Cllr Paul Birch has been recommended for retraining by the the IW Council’s ethical standards committee following an incident at the service at St Mary’s Church, Cowes, in November. He was heard to say 'I can’t stand this any more’ before marching out.
Cllr Birch was referred to the standards committee following allegations he had 'failed to treat others with respect’ and had brought his office or authority into disrepute.
The committee did not make any formal judgment against Cllr Birch but recommended he undertake further training.
Speaking to the County Press this week, Cllr Birch apologised for any offence his actions had inadvertently caused but stood by his views on the war and his decision to walk out of the service.
He said: "I regret the fact I was not able to find a way of doing it in ways that did not upset people but to the question, do I regret having obeyed my conscience and walking out of the service? No."
He added he would be happy to undertake any retraining although he stressed it was not a requirement of the committee as no formal hearing or judgment had taken place that had given him the opportunity to put his case.
He said: "I have no problems in doing another training session. I have no problem at all in doing that."
The mayor of Cowes, Cllr Alan Wells, who reported Cllr Birch to the committee, said: "I think the decision is probably what we expected. It didn’t warrant going any further to the Standards Board.
"I reported him because it was necessary for the town council to be seen to be being pro-active. There was a huge amount of upset in the community and it was proper we took appropriate action."
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk