02
Nov
Jackie Crozier: 'Why haven't the people of Ripon been told what I did wrong?'
The Stray Ferret has led with its coverage of the recent turmoil at Ripon City Council. Today, our Ripon-based reporter Tim Flanagan brings another exclusive by talking to former mayor, Councillor Jackie Crozier.
Tomorrow marks the 50th day since Councillor Jackie Crozier resigned as mayor of Ripon — and she said today (November 2) she still doesn't know what ‘crime’ she did that merited her downfall.
Cllr Crozier resigned in September after fellow councillors brought a vote of no confidence against her.
It paved the way for a turbulent spell under new mayor, Cllr Barbara Brodigan.
Cllr Brodigan has said the city was "badly let down" by the old administration, led by Cllr Crozier and former leader Cllr Andrew Williams.
She said three of four members of staff, including long-serving chief operating officer Paula Benson, left under the old regime and "our action has been prompted by these resignations". But she added for legal reasons she was unable to expand.
Ripon Town Hall.
This absence of specific reasons on why such drastic action was taken against a mayor has left people in the shops, pubs and cafes of Ripon asking: “What exactly did Cllr Crozier do wrong?"
The Stray Ferret has been told by reliable sources that some of those who were ready to support the vote of no confidence against Cllr Crozier have privately admitted that even they still do not know.
Cllr Julie Martin-Long (standing) was appointed as Cllr Brodigan's deputy.
The no confidence motion was signed by seven councillors who had supported Cllr Crozier's mayoral nomination on February 11 — although some of those councillors, including Cllr Brodigan and Cllr Pauline McHardy were not part of Cllr Crozier’s civic installation service at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday May 11 when 21 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers paraded in her honour.
Cllr Crozier has said little about what happened since her resignation. But speaking with the Stray Ferret today, she said:
When I first learned of Cllr Brodigan and McHardy’s efforts to seek a vote of no confidence, I was deeply disappointed and confused as to what I was supposed to have done.
As elected members, we are all entitled to our opinions and have the ability to request a vote of no confidence – it is our democratic right.
However, it is a shame that my fellow councillors chose to raise their concerns in such a public and coordinated way, without first seeking a private conversation, clarification, or context.
'Ripon deserves better'
Cllr Crozier said she only learned last week that the issue stemmed from an email not being sent, which was the responsibility of the chair of the staffing committee.
She said this left her "genuinely disappointed", adding:
They could and should have told me and the people of Ripon.
I feel deeply saddened for the people of Ripon, who deserve better than to see their councillors’ energy spent on unnecessary conflict, rather than the progress and collaboration our community deserves.
I am honoured to have served as Ripon’s first openly gay female mayor and as the youngest woman to hold the position.
I remain immensely proud of what I achieved and of the many people who showed faith, loyalty and integrity through such a difficult period.
Dean John Dobson led the mayoral installtion service on May 11.
Parish meeting
Tomorrow evening (Monday) at Holy Trinity Church, Cllr Brodigan is due to chair a parish meeting at which her own performance as mayor will come under scrutiny.
If 10 or more attendees whose names are on Ripon’s electoral register request a parish poll focused on Cllr Brodigan's 42-day mayotal tenure, a parish poll will be triggered.
It would be adminstered by North Yorkshire Council and all registered Ripon voters would have the opportunity to vote.
Parish polls have no legal standing, but can gauge public opinion on contentious issues.
On October 13, Cllr Brodigan told the Stray Ferret:
Cllr Brodigan will face questions from the public about her 42 days in mayoral office.
I will be attending the upcoming parish meeting in my capacity as chair. I believe it’s important to listen directly to residents and to be accountable for the decisions the council makes.
I’m aware that some attendees may wish to express a lack of confidence in my leadership, and I fully respect their right to do so. My focus remains on ensuring the meeting proceeds in a fair and constructive manner, and on continuing to serve the best interests of our parish community.
The Stray Ferret will provide live coverage to subscribers at the meeting. If you don't currently subscribe, you can do so here.
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