Worthing councillor forced to apologise for "bullying" colleague in meeting (From The Argus)

Worthing councillor forced to apologise for "bullying" colleague in meeting

2:00pm Wednesday 31st August 2011 in News By Tim Ridgway

A deputy mayor has been forced to apologise for unprofessionalism after publicly “bullying” and “humiliating” a fellow councillor.

Worthing borough councillor Charles James was ticked off for an “intimidating attitude” towards Liberal Democrat rival Diane Jones at a meeting designed to promote democracy in communities.

Coun James, a former firefighter, made “snide comments” when Coun Jones said she lived out of the area, and then criticised her for frequently missing meetings.

Colleagues said Coun Jones was so embarrassed she walked out of the neighbourhood community safety meeting.

After registering an official complaint, the local authority's standards board ruled Coun James acted unprofessionally.

Coun James said he had not intended to upset Coun Jones.