tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22428977019051834952024-03-14T00:10:11.675-07:00In The Public Domain?The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.comBlogger922125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-9024010009561146552024-03-13T11:59:00.000-07:002024-03-13T11:59:39.946-07:00Cllr Akpoteni - the mystery deepens ...<span style="font-size: medium;">One thing that never ceases to amaze is the giant-size ego of most politicians - even at the dog sh*t and potholes end of the market. But if one is prepared to give up any capacity for independent thought and become subservient to the whims of a political party then the world is one's oyster irrespective of a complete lack of talent or ability. Witness the rise of Preet Kaur Gill MP from useless Labour Sandwell Councillor to the shadow cabinet!</span><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXC1hx6_3pvOfwh3UmgXiumwhxsjlLrVTTa01SFhZyhSVpNW2aQO8F3XjYpiv36LYL3UHb407AP6IK3jCY1L-0g4PsWwcYjNzUM0jjjdh4P2TwebPtZ7bC_-tFJmfLNhrwBOrkhjT7O_TRR8lM4PzzdiZ27kLvZNpLI4wq0oZOCDeKS0EKGQqmoZEDoaf/s1007/Screenshot_20240313-100057.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1007" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXC1hx6_3pvOfwh3UmgXiumwhxsjlLrVTTa01SFhZyhSVpNW2aQO8F3XjYpiv36LYL3UHb407AP6IK3jCY1L-0g4PsWwcYjNzUM0jjjdh4P2TwebPtZ7bC_-tFJmfLNhrwBOrkhjT7O_TRR8lM4PzzdiZ27kLvZNpLI4wq0oZOCDeKS0EKGQqmoZEDoaf/w400-h396/Screenshot_20240313-100057.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Image courtesy of the excellent Corrupt Sandwell <br />Follow on X (Twitter) @CorruptSandwell <br />Facebook: Sandwell Corruption</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In 2021 Kacey (also Keonyemenu Chileobi) Akopoteni became a Labour Councillor in Hateful Heath ward. Watchers of the bent Labour Sandwell Council are unaware of her actually doing or saying ANYTHING of note. Yet this nonentity somehow believed - before her mysterious downfall - that she was a suitable person to be an MP. Perhaps she was, given the desperately low standard of the current incumbents ...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Incredibly she was actually short-listed by Labour for two parliamentary constituencies despite her non-existent political history:</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80aXxKaMK_NAyNUae5gkSkCXku6QnYaiWfXv9tup4quhIXw4nywOgSGHjLrhLRtoXU62fQxX0iNXEydSueeyDyLJEyoRi1K7-b2EL5s1UHeuA6C5teRMbWVDyjvaBbq2nMSyqkm-MOMncAydIkoUImo6MyG2HawLUp7jSvht6aQyMA_1d9CD0GAwHdB2T/s797/Screenshot_20240313-102421~2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="759" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80aXxKaMK_NAyNUae5gkSkCXku6QnYaiWfXv9tup4quhIXw4nywOgSGHjLrhLRtoXU62fQxX0iNXEydSueeyDyLJEyoRi1K7-b2EL5s1UHeuA6C5teRMbWVDyjvaBbq2nMSyqkm-MOMncAydIkoUImo6MyG2HawLUp7jSvht6aQyMA_1d9CD0GAwHdB2T/w381-h400/Screenshot_20240313-102421~2.png" width="381" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFri9gtXaAmqebXdRnLxUKMXwMCXQlirDyFUlyMBzIWdZu5ZnjwTgkF8MBXkIwD_oGQerTYXCU2VIYocz4cgZYE9znxYFpeQ6ts22Kg6McHMi1zirlbJLGl3rbaV1V_mJactRGUAPwDfpvw2ENyZscAn1DVXmlE492C3BRcvSES2Z1U5UuJ3bHSJScamIu/s1007/Screenshot_20240313-102305.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1007" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFri9gtXaAmqebXdRnLxUKMXwMCXQlirDyFUlyMBzIWdZu5ZnjwTgkF8MBXkIwD_oGQerTYXCU2VIYocz4cgZYE9znxYFpeQ6ts22Kg6McHMi1zirlbJLGl3rbaV1V_mJactRGUAPwDfpvw2ENyZscAn1DVXmlE492C3BRcvSES2Z1U5UuJ3bHSJScamIu/w400-h393/Screenshot_20240313-102305.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Alas, she failed at both although this seems to have been lucky for Labour given that she is no longer making "progress through partnership" with them! As with the recent demise of Labour's most notorious masturbator, Cllr John <strike>Tosser</strike> Tipper, this is another departure surrounded in secrecy.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There were rumours (and this has been specifically denied by Akpoteni) that she was not actually living in Sh*thole Sandwell when she stood for the ghastly Hateful Heath. However she made a strange entry on her first Register of Interests curiously stating that she was living at a West Bromwich address although she was a pains to tell us that the house was owned by her husband. Why?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">That property was sold in April, 2023 and it is said that, like many other Labour Councillors, she was anxious to get out of the frightful Borough asap. Fair enough for an elected representative - why would anyone who is not trapped in Sadders actually want to live there?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As we shall see, her business has opened a "Shropshire" branch in addition to her existing Birmingham one. And she put up on social media post about a village in Powys (Wales) whilst claiming that she was living in the Wrexham area. Hold that thought as you read on.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On her Register of Interests when she became a Councillor she declared that she had a Company involved in adult social care called Pleasant Valley Care Limited with a Birmingham registered office. Another oddity arises. As above, the West Brom house was sold in April, 2023 depriving Akpoteni of a local address (assuming, as she says, that it was a genuine address). It might just be another Sandwell Labour "coincidence" but she moved the Company's registered office to a Sandwell address. Incredibly this was to a "serviced office" in a self-storage warehouse!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_okXbFULUunl8ugLVXYVgslHfeBPrjaiW7NCQkItH3Wnb6K9u9apGjtJvYYWR2yNXVDcpzphXnQRAXBudkuNT5NLRsAjp7ccqD7PxVwl2C16xaEch5UA-5nQPcYY3xKXktjybIdsnBpvuc8FFYWI2FrMs1tJxdQ577zkyjvtoh11xQzAv0xOd4NOOxMVx/s896/Screenshot_20240313-105858.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="896" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_okXbFULUunl8ugLVXYVgslHfeBPrjaiW7NCQkItH3Wnb6K9u9apGjtJvYYWR2yNXVDcpzphXnQRAXBudkuNT5NLRsAjp7ccqD7PxVwl2C16xaEch5UA-5nQPcYY3xKXktjybIdsnBpvuc8FFYWI2FrMs1tJxdQ577zkyjvtoh11xQzAv0xOd4NOOxMVx/w640-h524/Screenshot_20240313-105858.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway this mysterious arrangement was short-lived. Corrupt Sandwell (social media details above) broke the story of her resignation from Labour in November, 2023. In January, 2024 Akpoteni changed the registered office address again to an address in Oswestry (near to her new Shropshire branch?) Farewell Sh*thole Sadders!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Her latest accounts for the period 1st December, 2021 to 30th November, 2022 show a rather alarming picture with a big increase in creditors (people the Company owes money to) pushing up net liabilities over assets to <b><u>minus</u></b> £35k.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A Care Quality Commission inspection occurred on 22nd November, 2022 (reported 30th December, 2022) with an overall rating for Pleasant Valley's services of, er, "requires improvement":</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuWHlAMnZ2sqtQJgNKO4HMYPZ6z70hV_O7NR7gC3BPdCRhFgu1YuxZ7_HQqvcOoiMPKiuVvY01IJOERmBKaOoSH10WEjHCKlIWWJ-K4Y-_Eq3kTPEhNTyGoXwJhAtwcqoNf9QxkJ2CwTeaCxq11Ucdt42vi55YBxwB1ixm_D5Erc7gecX96YATOPXI2gD/s865/pleasant%20valley.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="865" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuWHlAMnZ2sqtQJgNKO4HMYPZ6z70hV_O7NR7gC3BPdCRhFgu1YuxZ7_HQqvcOoiMPKiuVvY01IJOERmBKaOoSH10WEjHCKlIWWJ-K4Y-_Eq3kTPEhNTyGoXwJhAtwcqoNf9QxkJ2CwTeaCxq11Ucdt42vi55YBxwB1ixm_D5Erc7gecX96YATOPXI2gD/w640-h426/pleasant%20valley.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Look at the dates folks. In November, 2022 the Company's adult care services "required improvement", and the finances were drifting south. How convenient, therefore, that just two months earlier in September, 2022 bent Labour Sandwell Council awarded Pleasant Valley part of a large domiciliary care contract! I wonder why it ignored the facts when awarding the contract? I think we can guess, don't you readers?<div>At least Akpoteni won't be leaving Sadders empty-handed!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I wrote (twice) to Akpoteni asking why she left Labour but she has declined to respond, as she has too about another matter. I also wrote to Pleasant Valley asking if it was registered with the UK Home Office to support Health and Social Care visas for foreign workers, but they too have declined to respond.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yFH61djNxCJwNDxUUofk5Gxx3cSJxVJrABP_rstAAhmlfQl32PDe0WniyPccpum-cXXz3pwnE0x-emyIQM6pDVPkyHMqij2oVMM4aUW4SBV2OUOCtF6sRjUE0KGoa_Vfo5LbNfOzmiwLqpSEUEoGqpaHBz2oSM6mzevE0DbeqbUq9S4oS-FTXi31lzmR/s1221/IMG_20220430_091526__01__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1221" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yFH61djNxCJwNDxUUofk5Gxx3cSJxVJrABP_rstAAhmlfQl32PDe0WniyPccpum-cXXz3pwnE0x-emyIQM6pDVPkyHMqij2oVMM4aUW4SBV2OUOCtF6sRjUE0KGoa_Vfo5LbNfOzmiwLqpSEUEoGqpaHBz2oSM6mzevE0DbeqbUq9S4oS-FTXi31lzmR/w640-h590/IMG_20220430_091526__01__01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. 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If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-22572162092008809152024-03-12T13:35:00.000-07:002024-03-13T00:59:29.098-07:00Gove's Hoare screws Sandwell Tories!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sandwell Tories have been astonishingly useless since they gained some MP's and Councillors. No matter what is happening nationally - where their divided, fractious, Party is hurtling towards oblivion - the local guys and gals have been an absolute disgrace. And so it is fitting that their own Government Ministers should hammer the final nails into the coffin.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite the high number of thick and apathetic voters in bent Labour Sandwell, many people will have heard of Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up (lol). Gove sent Commissioners in to sort out the mess caused by the people listed below (and many others) but all they have done is show the scum how to railroad their perverted schemes through the Council more efficiently than before. And the Tory MP's and Councillors have sat there and said absolutely f all - indeed, sometimes actually cheering them on!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Gove is of the view that everything is now hunky dory in the benighted Borough, or at least on the right track, when most of the same rotten crew who steered the Council into the iceberg are still at the helm. The relatively new Chief Exec has shown himself to be weak so far, kowtowing to protesters who disrupted the last Council meeting and being in thrall of the poisonous Cllr Peter Hughes. What can possibly go wrong ...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Most of you will never have heard of Simon Hoare MP who is the junior in Gove's Department, supposedly in charge of local government. As we shall see, the local Tories are on life support but this pair have switched off the machine.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LvPNM2aPkBU7rah7vKjI0IFG5iP0qMx2Es8E7QV-E398n4u-8iArjvjrT0qIvCVskuiKrOCkr4UqOUZkYv7nRIN3Ee2GF5UI6K0PPC8XQ0caYK_qawgjgcuAlaeukFW7bKleVfhvyKxR3hBRm4J0-p-QbfHdgU3lPLfbmouqY3AxqEgKr5-CWp2f4s4c/s497/Screenshot_20240312-173200~3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="497" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LvPNM2aPkBU7rah7vKjI0IFG5iP0qMx2Es8E7QV-E398n4u-8iArjvjrT0qIvCVskuiKrOCkr4UqOUZkYv7nRIN3Ee2GF5UI6K0PPC8XQ0caYK_qawgjgcuAlaeukFW7bKleVfhvyKxR3hBRm4J0-p-QbfHdgU3lPLfbmouqY3AxqEgKr5-CWp2f4s4c/w640-h630/Screenshot_20240312-173200~3.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">In 2019 Hoare was fined not once, not twice, not thrice, but FOUR times for driving offences but he did the decent thing and claimed the money on his parliamentary expenses from us taxpayers! That's the sort of guy we are dealing with here. (Happily, he was forced to pay the money back by the Parliamentary Standards Authority.) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let's just hold on a minute and look back to, say, 2017 when Labour corruption was moving to a whole new level. Gone was the amateurism of the Cooper/Eling/Britton era. Now corruption was being institutionalised in the Eling/Britton era and penetrating every orifice of the Council. Let's just remind ourselves of some of the individuals playing fast and loose with the governance of the Borough and treading the inexorable path towards Government intervention:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve "Squealing" Eling</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The disgraced former Leader still believed to be earning a good screw working in local government at Rotherham</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNspqQSVdYfIfacm1s1SoVUbz9n3RqFgOCVqofQm6rAaopgYRTaIy-VglmRbX1Y3QdtBpyvNMMv9EVbJbvZWnbT7CtPZCQpr5CFq5m4fzff99A-ZmOoPp2kuN9d70va4AbAMXAOTSjSrktuYvHsXxTaqOvUulYta8AXrTdMDiWa7DymZK5cfAn0DfLqEJ/s942/Gag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="942" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNspqQSVdYfIfacm1s1SoVUbz9n3RqFgOCVqofQm6rAaopgYRTaIy-VglmRbX1Y3QdtBpyvNMMv9EVbJbvZWnbT7CtPZCQpr5CFq5m4fzff99A-ZmOoPp2kuN9d70va4AbAMXAOTSjSrktuYvHsXxTaqOvUulYta8AXrTdMDiWa7DymZK5cfAn0DfLqEJ/w640-h448/Gag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Jan Britton</span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The now disgraced Chief Exec - currently earning £150k per annum at Tory Dorset Council courtesy of the taxpayer (see further below) - despite his appalling record at Sadders.</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q2RTaqSEtuXEGC6ZCIvwMgZRZfKZCAD0Fno6_5JgicfFnqIRi7lTSgptAeaYDMTs1JTh6rh7lPAmVjE64mDYwgdRAkY9-Y872_BtFeX6m1E7zYcn_P2w1ZQmYlke2nU9sQNOd3-dOQqKGSw3_0_GljcMB-VgybAQxobEr74sXkr8beCIqVj8imnvajSU/s1288/B%20not%20got%20talent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="927" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q2RTaqSEtuXEGC6ZCIvwMgZRZfKZCAD0Fno6_5JgicfFnqIRi7lTSgptAeaYDMTs1JTh6rh7lPAmVjE64mDYwgdRAkY9-Y872_BtFeX6m1E7zYcn_P2w1ZQmYlke2nU9sQNOd3-dOQqKGSw3_0_GljcMB-VgybAQxobEr74sXkr8beCIqVj8imnvajSU/s320/B%20not%20got%20talent.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Major Eling rimmer now the Leader of the Council! At her first meeting as Leader she openly lied twice within minutes of her promotion. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK4-o1fB7UrgsMW9hXoDGdmVXYqK1JBWqXbxmy8Dhr0vIwHrwGxW79QbNxpVGRw7OsL5KT65qaLDRRyFHUTqRjyL2Tl1MfFLHlQf2-nNCmvslN4K9xRtEZgHcdTtfS9LReT-9eYrZMDAj9n3rhNEYiQ583BumdikeqD-S1IdzCoyG1cSxCxEUbSR8ly4u/s858/the%20sac.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK4-o1fB7UrgsMW9hXoDGdmVXYqK1JBWqXbxmy8Dhr0vIwHrwGxW79QbNxpVGRw7OsL5KT65qaLDRRyFHUTqRjyL2Tl1MfFLHlQf2-nNCmvslN4K9xRtEZgHcdTtfS9LReT-9eYrZMDAj9n3rhNEYiQ583BumdikeqD-S1IdzCoyG1cSxCxEUbSR8ly4u/s320/the%20sac.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Simon "The Sandwell Slasher" Hackett</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Corrupt liar (more soon) who failed as Director of Children's Services so that it was taken over by a Trust. Now head of, er, Children's Services</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9TWcFPnrH-EtNPsDc9QmD9ZuY00icYlw2y4UcNuQnfmDa77GOGx-x50dm-k-2BdX_XiH59Fzt8cLebvj9dk0Rusap1PNefd-bvA93KRbe4CnIhZzagn2C0l4m_fJlKNBrzC8yChJrUwMXtV_Mv_WXNDH1ZxQuUtv0tO3obWqvhMcC4Sf4XTVQRLxyvhD/s1031/Hackett%20costs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9TWcFPnrH-EtNPsDc9QmD9ZuY00icYlw2y4UcNuQnfmDa77GOGx-x50dm-k-2BdX_XiH59Fzt8cLebvj9dk0Rusap1PNefd-bvA93KRbe4CnIhZzagn2C0l4m_fJlKNBrzC8yChJrUwMXtV_Mv_WXNDH1ZxQuUtv0tO3obWqvhMcC4Sf4XTVQRLxyvhD/s320/Hackett%20costs.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Syeda Khatun</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A corrupt liar (see the Hackett scandal) who has made a small fortune out of "charity" work. Sacked for lying and now back in the Cabinet! Also her lies caused the High Court "exclusion" litigation (Skidders passim).</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtpC5MOHHjx6VNNWSsSLPL6FVUR7OvhMWnbJWKfi4KwOBUh2Vql-5-bZz6rWtCG95oEQ0KdJ7xYNykZ9GS6jpz5bHlJ8RmL84OZokAvR8Gy-vzE_pLB9_PJOO5H5mraIl4Mf31wzW4143iALe7V172ObqBZIOmzvRZQMPhwU2C5P5__JlLg0sA3MDMzwb/s356/elingkhatunrowley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtpC5MOHHjx6VNNWSsSLPL6FVUR7OvhMWnbJWKfi4KwOBUh2Vql-5-bZz6rWtCG95oEQ0KdJ7xYNykZ9GS6jpz5bHlJ8RmL84OZokAvR8Gy-vzE_pLB9_PJOO5H5mraIl4Mf31wzW4143iALe7V172ObqBZIOmzvRZQMPhwU2C5P5__JlLg0sA3MDMzwb/s320/elingkhatunrowley.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Seen here with The Squealer and her constant companion, Derek Rowley, who escaped a police investigation despite being involved in the sale of Council property on Facebook!)</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Paul "The Cipher" Moore</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Metaphorical arse-licker extraordinaire. Weaker than p*ss and soon to be joined on the Council by his partner. Now Chair of (the non-existent) Scrutiny! Inexplicably constantly rimmed by, er, Tory Councillors!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotS3PkcTfz9rRNykHIZQSCKoGYUMOVe1Ue3lio6xek2VZI1mYPiuRp3XQPmScwQ0yzuYPePjaTWua-Owmm17ubKCncUn_x8ZnCYZ8gcInjFWOkWHtKOmNzQ4DCiJTeEtL51o_o-uqyGZmjATqLcACbgmF13mGM65KMEjkPmofw8qd1VQoT1erQbJlPvfM/s2147/Screenshot_20240312-143342.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2147" data-original-width="866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotS3PkcTfz9rRNykHIZQSCKoGYUMOVe1Ue3lio6xek2VZI1mYPiuRp3XQPmScwQ0yzuYPePjaTWua-Owmm17ubKCncUn_x8ZnCYZ8gcInjFWOkWHtKOmNzQ4DCiJTeEtL51o_o-uqyGZmjATqLcACbgmF13mGM65KMEjkPmofw8qd1VQoT1erQbJlPvfM/w258-h640/Screenshot_20240312-143342.png" width="258" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The shaming degringolade of the local Tories continued when Shaun Bailey MP (West Brom West) wasted an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons recently with his bizarre proposal to "abolish" Sandwell. Many are prepared to overlook Shaun's failure to achieve anything of note in his first - and almost certainly only - term since they enjoy his sound and fury - or, as I would describe it, p*ss and wind - approach. People tell me that at least he is "speaking-up" for his constituency, but so what if achieves absolutely b*gger all?</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Let me remind you again, that Gove, Hoare and Bailey are supposed to be on the same side. Even though Bailey's debate was daft, the normal Westminster sh*tbaggery means that the Minister will say soothing words, promise (falsely) that s/he will look into matters and compliment the MP on "fighting" for his constituents. But, for whatever reason, Hoare decided to humiliate Shaun instead (presumably with Gove's full backing).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the debate [sic] Shaun did his ludicrous schtick but Wolvo North-EastTory MP Jane Stevenson made a good intervention about failing Councils like bent Labour Sandwell who try to blame successive governments for THEIR failure. She pointed out that other councils do better than the likes of Sandwell under exactly those same governments. Councils like bent Sandwell need to "take responsibility" when they are the worst in a number of areas compared to others, which, of course, they are - although local morons like it that way.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Tory Hoare commented on the rosy state of the Council's reserves which begs the question why bent Labour are not spending some of them instead of bleeding locals dry with maximum Council Tax increases, plus huge increases in Council rents and charges! One - nil to bent Labour.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>He set out the failures of corrupt Labour involving </span><span>many of the current leadership (see above) but then paid tribute to "the current leadership" of the Council i.e. mostly the same people. Two - nil to bent Labour.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>He claimed that to ad</span><span>mit wrongdoing is the route to recovery. But Carmichael, Hackett, Khatun, Moore and others have never admitted ANY wrongdoing and are STILL actively fighting to</span><span> cover-up evidence of their misdeamenours. For example, Carmichael had been Leader for, literally, minutes when she lied to a full public meeting that she had no knowledge of what the Cox Review even was! Needless to say the local Tory MP's and Councillors have been happy to connive in these cover-ups, and have done precisely nothing to get at the truth.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">(Just in the last few days Spellar's rimmer-in-chief, Gurinder Josan - who happens to be on Labour's national ruling body, tweeted that old canard that there was nothing wrong with bent Sandwell Labour in the first place (despite various official reports showing a succession of horror stories) and that the £2m intervention was simply a "political" move via the Tories! Hardly an acceptance of wrongdoing.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To rub the hapless Bailey's nose in it Hoare repeated his praise of Dim Kez and her gang: "they should be both congratulated and encouraged" given their "significant progress". Three - nil to bent Labour.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hoare then shafted Bailey directly up the derriere. He told him that there was no support for his crazy "scrap" Sandwell nonsense and that a change in the "architecture" of the Borough would be a "distraction" from the vital improvement work which he claims is "ongoing". Ouch! And four-nil to bent Labour.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Still the humiliation continued when he told Bailey, in terms, to stop mucking about and, er, "to work with the current leadership of the council to explore ... opportunities". Five - nil to bent Labour.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Needless to say the crooked comrades have been cock-a-hoop that Gove and Hoare have given them such a public pat on the back. Any of you who use social media will have seen bent Labour crowing day after day at the Tory Minister's praise for the same people who shafted the Borough in the first place. Perhaps we should get some "Hoare loves Dim Kez" T-shirts printed? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hoare has long been involved in PR [public relations] work. Perhaps he mistook his brief and thought he should be giving Sandwell Labour the woo-woo treatment! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The first question is why local Tories let Bailey go ahead with this crazed rubbish? The second is why he didn't talk to his own Government before calling the Debate when he could have been told to back-off privately, and without the public mortification?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, Gove and Hoare have now lifted the intervention giving bent Labour another chance to do what they do best - praising themselves. This despite the fact that Sandwell is one of the most deprived and useless local council areas in the country despite 50 YEARS of LABOUR control.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">With friends like Gove and Hoare, who needs enemies?</span></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Former Tory Councillor accuses local Tory party of being bent</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This blog has reported the local Tory meltdown. The fact that MP Nicola Richards is p*ssing over the people of West Brom East (see further below). The total failure of the Tory Councillors to achieve anything substantial. The defection of two of their number to a local Labour Party they know to be corrupt. The strange defenestration of two other Councillors who are currently sitting as "Independents". The humiliation of Bailey set out above</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the new "Independents", Cllr Jay Anandou (Old Warley) is now said to be in regular communication with Adam Smith, the misogynistic p*sshead now at the Wolvo C*cksuckers (aka The Express and Star). Smith is a mouthpiece for Dim Kez and Sandwell Labour and so maybe another defection is coming. In the meantime, Anandou appears to be burning his bridges with the Tories since on social media he recently wrote: "also, perhaps the word bent needs to be considered against more than one party in Sandwell ... just based on my own exp [i.e. experience].</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What an absolute shambles. Get the Tories out this year and then Sandwell Labour corruption can continue as normal for another half century - just how the locals like it!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Runaway Richards</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am sure most you are aware the Nicola Richards MP is effing off. Yet despite her dismal track record as MP for West Brom East she is hoping to get the "safe" Tory seat (if such still exists) in posh Solihull. It seems that the Tory high command is not only content to shaft WBE, but may be trying to rig the process to get her the Solihull gig. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am indebted to the national Guido Fawkes website for their permission to use their recent article on the sleazy business:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9jc9p2FuYwQ1UtYtgJWDZHOQMc9GBXGHeFyFEZKyanZGzktgu4GWYl-FC4ZoJl3VLgbYI1ZBksY_JGNKDqWGX55tZpkRGsudATcLUKz-J-J1JqfRiD4LHSQT9SGBaJhEWsgNUaXCmkJoy1gh7XH_stOAU0Tpk3jJMxcyQaRHPZLfwvmxKGYMyK9GJE7r/s988/GF1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="988" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9jc9p2FuYwQ1UtYtgJWDZHOQMc9GBXGHeFyFEZKyanZGzktgu4GWYl-FC4ZoJl3VLgbYI1ZBksY_JGNKDqWGX55tZpkRGsudATcLUKz-J-J1JqfRiD4LHSQT9SGBaJhEWsgNUaXCmkJoy1gh7XH_stOAU0Tpk3jJMxcyQaRHPZLfwvmxKGYMyK9GJE7r/w640-h514/GF1.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9PM6zzcuEAqfOOjgipzMzN5vV3FVW1cQPpHqiALIdzGN4XhyphenhyphenwA4qyw4un2SEsUKS_YT6spcqfhXY8bezxO-Tw3LHth-qwH_rfUa3XhHP-8s9NeoVwRtFJJqo1AjbMFWB9_f2I_U5gyW3W2VwFeoC_UGqArhv75kUchuzD6EzwsguQKnpWVe4Q3JmuCve/s992/GF%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="992" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9PM6zzcuEAqfOOjgipzMzN5vV3FVW1cQPpHqiALIdzGN4XhyphenhyphenwA4qyw4un2SEsUKS_YT6spcqfhXY8bezxO-Tw3LHth-qwH_rfUa3XhHP-8s9NeoVwRtFJJqo1AjbMFWB9_f2I_U5gyW3W2VwFeoC_UGqArhv75kUchuzD6EzwsguQKnpWVe4Q3JmuCve/w640-h398/GF%202.png" width="640" /></a></div> <div><span style="font-size: medium;">What another absolute shocker!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">You can read the current Guido Fawkes via this link: <a href="https://order-order.com/">https://order-order.com/</a> Always entertaining!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">And finally, the Dorset Tory Sh*tshow rumbles on ...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When submissions were made to Michael Gove to send the Commissioners into bent Labour Sandwell one figure loomed very large - disgraced former Chief Executive, Jan Britton. He was a major factor in the lawless ways of the Council, and heavily involved in what Grant Thornton [Sandwell's supposedly independent auditors] call "the long-term historic mismanagement" of Sadders. You might expect that Gove's local government supremo, Hoare (as above), would know the facts of the intervention although he has only been in the job for a short time.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Skidder readers will have seen my regular posts over a number of years naming and shaming Britton, but he hung on until he was forced out without compensation - a real rarity in the rotten world of local government.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">How anyone would employ this useless groveller to clean their lavatory is beyond me. But Dorset Council Tories apparently think he is great and have given him an initial 12-month gig at £150k. See my recent post and weep:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2024/02/four-tories-go-mad-in-dorset.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2024/02/four-tories-go-mad-in-dorset.html</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">(Incidentally, Dorset Council is delaying a Freedom of Information request about this scandal - again!)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, this is a scandal where the Minister for Local Government, our friend Hoare, should be demanding an inquiry. But fat chance of that since Hoare is MP for, er, North Dorset and is hardly likely to cause any embarrassment of his local pals!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8PHu9z7yBgoREnFrktk0MFKCsSK9i9V-5gAL9M0EHlOAe3qclX599TonCoxz1-3pWC-EoPITW6s4i7ehSLVMvsIVhEdLvjBsxXfRIc7DS72FmdL2N6s5DJAs7KEluK-octMHzkARfa7Kg49svgbmxbLi04jykKmjp0_KPTVXH3FATyO2dAtgP9_vohsP/s1080/Screenshot_20220209-160044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1080" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8PHu9z7yBgoREnFrktk0MFKCsSK9i9V-5gAL9M0EHlOAe3qclX599TonCoxz1-3pWC-EoPITW6s4i7ehSLVMvsIVhEdLvjBsxXfRIc7DS72FmdL2N6s5DJAs7KEluK-octMHzkARfa7Kg49svgbmxbLi04jykKmjp0_KPTVXH3FATyO2dAtgP9_vohsP/w640-h484/Screenshot_20220209-160044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</span></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-edc7da1d-7fff-8706-a624-67725475e2c9"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to </span><a href="mailto:thesandwellskidder@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</span></p><div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-2162642581216831802024-03-06T02:11:00.000-08:002024-03-06T04:06:32.869-08:00Technical Blog - Sandwell Council lies to Tribunal & Information Commissioner<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bent Labour Sandwell Council (SMBC) has played fast and loose with the law in respect of Freedom of Information for many years and has lied to the Information Commissioner (IC or ICO) and to the Information Rights Tribunal on a number of occasions - with complete impunity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This matter is also noteworthy in respect of the sheer length of time I have had to fight for the truth here. In this case the Tribunal was specifically told that the disastrous suspension of Sandwell's Cabinet secretarries was subject to a new investigation at the time of the hearing whereas bent Sandwell confirmed in a later Freedom of Infomation request that the so-called "investigation" - such as it was - had, in fact, already been concluded.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is an email I sent to the Tribunal, the Information Commissioner, and bent Sandwell Council on 13th December, 2023. No response has been received.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"THIS IS A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION FOR 28 DAYS ONLY</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"I have repeatedly informed the ICO and Information Rights Tribunal of the corruption influencing SMBC to lie to the IC and the Tribunal. The only outcome of this has been abuse of me personally and, in one case, mockery of me by a Judge of the Tribunal in the course of a live hearing (which will shortly be the subject of further correspondence). I would respectfully remind the Tribunal and the ICO that SMBC are currently in Government "special measures" due to serious governance concerns (at huge cost to the taxpayer).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Case EA/2019/xxxx arose from the wrongful suspension by SMBC of the secretaries working for Cabinet members on the basis of a false allegation. I made a FOIA [Fereedom of Infomation] request in respect of the sordid affair which was substantially refused. The matter proceeded via the ICO to a full Tribunal hearing led by Judge xxxxxx.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Although SMBC had (once again) lied to the ICO about the availability of disclosable documentation, a large tranche of same was magically "found"" prior to the Tribunal Hearing and 631 days after the date of the original request.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"David Stevens, the now disgraced and former Chief Executive of SMBC, gave evidence both orally and in writing. SMBC played the same argument it also used in another Tribunal hearing. Stevens dealt with my complaints about SMBC's late disclosure of documents by informing Judge xxxxxx and the Panel that he had ordered an "investigation" into the original handling of my FOIA request.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"In respect of the substantive issue he played a trick also used by SMBC at another Tribunal Hearing, telling the Tribunal that he had ordered a brand new investigation into the substantive issue (here, the wrongful suspensions) so that SMBC could rely of s.31 to avoid further disclosure since that may prejudice the ongoing "new" investigation. (See further below.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"I made a further FOIA request in respect of the alleged new investigations by the now disgraced Stevens. Whilst this has only been partially successful, new documentation disclosed casts considerable doubt on the evidence given by Stevens. I should add that SMBC - once again - only managed to find documentation which it had "missed" when dealing with the original request AND an internal review after the intervention of the ICO.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"It is noteworthy that the actual hearing was part-heard on the original date of 30th October, 2019 and went over to a second date being 30th January, 2020.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"It is now clear that Stevens did order a desk-top evaluation of the handling of the original FOIA - probably by a senior employee called Neil Cox - but that this was concluded by mid-November, 2019 - at the very latest - with a decision not to continue with any further action. Whilst this was after the date of the first half of the hearing it was some two and a half months before the second half of the hearing but that information was deliberately concealed from the Panel. Stevens admitted at bundle page 119 para. 11 that the preliminary "fact finding" was done on 13th August, 2019 but at para 14 on the same page he added, "I can confirm that this matter is being looked into to understand why this occurred". Neither he nor Mr Hopkins of Counsel informed me, the ICO, or the Tribunal itself that no further action was being taken when this was known weeks before the second part of the hearing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Stevens did also commission a supposedly independent report from West Midlands Employers (WME) into the actual suspensions, which SMBC has also refused to disclose via my second FOIA request. I say that WME is not truly "independent" but the real relevance here is, again, the dates. At page 119 para 13 of the bundle Stevens said he received the Report on 17th October, 2019. He stated, "The report indicates that the matter [i.e. the suspensions] was not dealt with appropriately. The report considers whether the Council should be taking any action, disciplinary or otherwise, against the officers who dealt with the matter".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"The "independent" Report was commissioned very shortly before [the] Tribunal hearing was due - I say in a deliberate attempt to nix it - but Stevens told the Panel (bundle page 121 para. 23) "The matter is still live: my investigation could result in action being taken against other council officers for their conduct during the suspension, investigation and handling of the original FOI. Public disclosure in these circumstances would be highly prejudicial to this investigation". Leaving aside - for now - that this was straight out of the playbook used by SMBC in another Tribunal case and - I say - that the "independent" report was due to be a whitewash, the fact is that the latest FOI clearly shows that by December, 2019 any issues arising from the Report were concluded with the last communication on the subject dated 6th January, 2020 - 24 days before the second half of the hearing. Neither myself, the ICO or the Tribunal were informed of this.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"For the avoidance of any doubt SMBC stated in the second FOIA response that the outcome of the investigation into the suspensions "was that no further action should be taken against any officer". If that was actually in the Report then Stevens knew this even before he wrote his original statement and before he gave live evidence to the Tribunal. I was under the impression that constitues perjury? In any event, he definitely knew before the second hearing but allowed the deceit to lie on the record.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"There were solicitors from SMBC as well as Mr Hopkins of Counsel at both hearings but the facts were concealed. Yet as xxxxxx'x judgment reads at para. 82:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"Mr Hopkins went on to refer to the statement of David Stevens, at para 23, where he states that the matter is now live again and could result in a further investigation. If there is any doubt in January, 2018. there is no doubt now, and there could be further disciplinary action (i.e. against other persons, not the secretaries). There would be dangers if this information was put into the public domain before any investigation had run its course ..."</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Whilst Mr Hopkins has been very willing to make written attacks on me in a number of Tribunal cases only to withdraw them at the commencement of live hearings, I somehow doubt that he has deliberately tried to mislead the Panel but Stevens and/or SMBC Solicitors did so mislead.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"I understand that the Panel eventually concluded, in effect, that my original FOIA had been too early and that it should view the position as at January, 2018 but the fact remains that much Tribunal time was taken up with arguments about a supposed ongoing investigation which had, in fact, been concluded. For example, Mr Hopkins made submissions about the possibility of a "steps direction" given the supposedly ongoing "new investigation". If the Tribunal was aware that there was no further ongoing investigation would it have found differently? Possibly not, but I am thoroughly sick of having MY character and reputation [being] impugned by SMBC and their Counsel when they [i.e. SMBC staff] have repeatedly lied to the ICO and the Tribunal over a period of several years. Just recently the ICO - which now employs one of the former SMBC solicitors directly involved in the above - applied twice (and failed twice) to strike out further Appeals to the Tribunal. I am just wondering when someone in authority is going to get a grip on all this and ensure that firm action is taken against SMBC employees (including solicitors) who continue to act unlawfully and mislead the Tribunal?"</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">As above, Sandwell has been given the opportunity to comment on the above but has declined to do so.</span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rl0UZUYaNAtWVnG2h16Tnfwp9b_Sk8vETDC-ZV0SEZB1X0wZJF3I9GGTvb7yvA1pO0cTxqf59VyErmNhXW17QrX0UoFQfcJA4x5k2nXXv8OyYkDsU-iMKBqush0LZNBSG-Q1tZncUXlXFWJ-TQtpzi2VCj2X2U7yGoccHHnKXVjXq8TL6p1TedhcLla9/s1080/Screenshot_20210618-105358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1080" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rl0UZUYaNAtWVnG2h16Tnfwp9b_Sk8vETDC-ZV0SEZB1X0wZJF3I9GGTvb7yvA1pO0cTxqf59VyErmNhXW17QrX0UoFQfcJA4x5k2nXXv8OyYkDsU-iMKBqush0LZNBSG-Q1tZncUXlXFWJ-TQtpzi2VCj2X2U7yGoccHHnKXVjXq8TL6p1TedhcLla9/w640-h354/Screenshot_20210618-105358.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b><b>use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-63511734166159730642024-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:002024-02-24T04:16:27.440-08:00Labour's "Sperminator" ejaculated!<p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">This blog contains adult themes concerning the seedy activities of an elected politician and his ghastly mate, a local "journalist". Recommended readership 18+</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mystery surrounds the departure from the Labour Party of its most notorious masturbator, Cllr John Tipper. The infamous w*nker has left Labour and is now standing (erectly - Ed?) as an "Independent". This after the current local Labour Leader and Party Regional Office moved heaven and earth for Mr <strike>Tosser</strike> Tipper to be found a safe seat with a moronic electorate in bent Sandwell (an easy task in the local Dictatorship).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Regular readers will know that during an earlier stint as a Sandwell Councillor, Tipper had cause to borrow a Council (i.e. taxpayer-owned) iPhone whereupon he used it to video himself masturbating before sending the offending footage (??? - Ed) to a woman of his acquaintance. Alas, John is not very bright and forgot to delete his, er, handiwork from the phone before returning it to the corrupt Council.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have written about this episode and subsequent events before (Skidders passim as nauseum). Tipper left the Council but the "cum-back" kid promised, like The Terminator, he would return. He (and his "journalist" mate) are assiduous (metaphorical) rimmers of Sandwell Labour Leader [sic] the pathetic liar, Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael and so the time was ripe for a seat to be found for him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In an earlier post I put-up my one-sided correspondence with the local Labour Party supremo, Richard Oliver. On the first occasion, in 2021, Labour had selected The W*nker for a seat in Old Warley ward and I wrote to Oliver asking if this joker was a fit and proper person to be a Labour candidate (particularly as he tried to mislead about the incident - mostly through his mate, Adam Smith). Answer came there none.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On this blog I explained what happened:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Despite full knowledge of his masturbatory history, Labour selected Mr </span><strike style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Tosser</strike><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, sorry Tipper, in 2021 as one of its two candidates in Old Warley ward. Many locals were horrified that Labour were trying to foist this pole-stroker on them and split their vote - electing the other Labour candidate but giving Tosser the, er, finger. Incidentally, during the campaign and as the Party knew, candidate Tipper seemed to hardly show his face in Old Warley, let alone his tackle.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS0L-or4Z32qGnMj7H06vDkssG0qhU6s2GGdAteiHphjPVRT-jJnVXxiznKAQc0WaSB2Rvyhoarg3jC1AsrIFI2n2W56uWDM3sUoPPK-wChFj0nY1XfDM_SxuzvoOqHnt6v_1cm1WG-DK-3t-cNq29loT3LGrVq8lBCadTOnwva_WgujOG89eDVqa-d4w/s786/IMG_20230228_130557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="786" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS0L-or4Z32qGnMj7H06vDkssG0qhU6s2GGdAteiHphjPVRT-jJnVXxiznKAQc0WaSB2Rvyhoarg3jC1AsrIFI2n2W56uWDM3sUoPPK-wChFj0nY1XfDM_SxuzvoOqHnt6v_1cm1WG-DK-3t-cNq29loT3LGrVq8lBCadTOnwva_WgujOG89eDVqa-d4w/w640-h626/IMG_20230228_130557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sensibly, Tipper was dropped from the 2022 slate of Labour dross but what Dim Kez wants, Dim Kez gets, and so the hunt was on for the thickest ward in Sandwell where people are so imbecilic they would be certain to vote for this feeble character. Clearly Great Barr with Yew Tree must have been a strong possibility but Labour knew the inhabitants of Cradley Heath and Old Hill (CH & OH) were sufficiently brainless to "do the honours". And so it came to pass.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wrote to Oliver again. This time I pointed-out The W*nkers apparent lack of any attempt to campaign in Old Warley but, yet again, Oliver thought he was a great choice for bent Labour.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now CH & OH no longer has the Labour Councillor it voted for. Despite his willingness to flaunt his genitalia Tipper has a weak personality and it remains to be seen whether he has the balls to resign his seat and fight it as an Independent in May.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rumours have been swirling around Sadders all week about his defection ranging from allegations that he was expelled by Labour (which Tipper says is untrue) to an outlandish claim that he resigned because he was upset that local GMB Union boot-boy, Ian Cooper, was not selected as the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Halesowen. (Readers may remember the notorious email the oafish Cooper wrote to former Labour Council Leader, Yvonne Davies, telling her, in terms, to do what the unelected Union told her to do!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Skidder wrote to Tipper asking why he had shafted the prats in CH & OH but apart from denying that he was expelled from the Party he refused to tell Skidder readers the truth, and simply took the opportunity to try to take the p*ss out of me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No doubt more on this anon. In the meantime the other big question is why this has not been explained by The Wolvo C*ck-Suckers (aka The Express and Star)? Now read on ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">****************************************************************************</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">By the way, did you know that the Wolvo C-S's were taken over last year by the weirdly named "National World" Group? The Star has been a pathetic rag for years, spewing out Sandwell Labour propaganda and clickbait. Now the promise is of even more, er, clickbait. This lot gave up real journalism a long time ago but now it is not even going to continue to pretend it is actually a "newspaper".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*************************************************************************************</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bromance</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ant & Dec, Dave & Si, John & Adam. Just some of the great Bromance couples de nos jours. Whilst the first two sets named are media celebrities and, apparently, well-loved our local joined-at-the hip pair are gruesome beyond belief. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tipper is a seedy character who certainly used to be a stranger to the soap bar. As we have seen, he is a notorious masturbator (and, even worse, not even able to "man-up" about it). But his bezzie mate, Adam Smith, is off the scale of ghastliness. You don't believe me? - if you are over 18 and have a strong stomach, read my post about the priapic (self-proclaimed), misogynistic, thieving (self-proclaimed), scrounging, p*sshead fantasist (and you have been warned):</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-misogyny-of-adam-smith-journalist.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-misogyny-of-adam-smith-journalist.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As far as this weirdo is concerned, women fall into three categories: (1) "Bints"; (2) those whom, he claims, regularly permit him to "tear-up" their "quims"; and (3) St Kerrie Carmichael of Rowley Regis.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This all makes Smith entirely suitable to work at such a morally-polluted media organisation as The Star. And the C*S's presumably think that even if he is too p*ssed to work half the time he will get regular inside stories (or leaks) from his usual sources, Tipper the W*nker, Cllr Paul "The Cipher" Moore, and, perhaps, even from Dim Kez herself? Even a non-Labour Councillor is said to have been passing him info on the Tories.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recently when those spineless corruption-lovers, Cllrs Wilkes and Williams, defected from the ailing Tories to Labour he was given the story on a plate by bent Sandwell Labour and milked it for not one, but two articles for the delectation of Dim Kez. And so why no story on his big pal defecting FROM Labour? Perhaps he has been so busy "shagging birds" he hasn't had time to get p*ssed with The Wanker yet? But isn't he PAID (what?- Ed) to get the Sandwell political stories?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think we should be told don't you readers?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="986" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR2ijP06UzNU7scffBA3JrpcwURQ_cWuzuTd61xS9oeWIW4uWEZjM7Yr6kdliTQojelGln2Tc_3LgPzDyj9UrydEGhjZmaixdxgv5AWIZLf2F7fM93sKkXiCIHlVQPzB6pOmIMmWWUkSsHfbmo9MJjAckNyv3IijRS9bo3lrrL8HBnTDM9v5GIh7xG0TK/w640-h308/Screenshot_20240221-090737.png" width="640" /></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Smith's Fantasy World</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Star's man [sic] operates at least two X (formerlyTwitter) accounts - one in his own name and one in the name of "Steve Zacharanda". He has used them to personally attack me and to defame my wife, but when very obvious troll accounts pop-up attacking us he is also regularly following and engaging with those accounts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">During the bent Lisa McNally litigation, my Defence team prepared a mountain of documents showing that McNally's evidence was at best, ahem, highly suspect. McNally herself was deliberately engaging with very obvious troll accounts which were attacking me whilst she was trying to persuade the High Court that she was holier than Mother Teresa. Below the legal notice below is a document we prepared for the High Court in London showing six troll accounts McNally herself was directly engaging with.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I will write further about this in due course, but it is noteworthy here that the Skidder team were investigating the troll account "Man and Boy" and it was quite obvious after a while that this was being operated by a "journalist". We narrowed the field to Smith or another scribbling weirdo, the late George Makin (McNally's media rimmer-in-chief - although Nick Owen was a close second). We were about to name Makin as the troll (thanks to comparisons on the timing of posts and some other matters) when he died. As soon as he snuffed it then, as with Darren Cooper, their respective troll accounts fell silent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a non-exclusive list submitted to the Court only relating to McNally but you will see that Smith (as Zacharanda) was actively engaging with four of the six obvious troll accounts (and even Dim Kez was involved with one!) He also used his own account with one of the trolls.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Recently Smith the fantasist was working on some local Black Country film (presumably not "Tipper Tosses Again") and could not resist the opportunity to boast about it on his own X account (and despite his innate cynicism he also could not resist rimming his employers/paymasters). But that was not good enough for this pathetic braggart and so he - used HIS other account "Zacharanda" - to compliment HIMSELF on his work. What a total ****!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY8AHhec5eaXOfyKJYCA0t95XMi-fmAmqKcghKrKwxQjIpkcBoeAoPaqfa_oK9IOddSYBl5ijaMF5w7yb_i1TKY0J-__geA9WAD-KGZ3RIkmc3zHwTSAFTR7KFVpbLs1__CCjMUPb0trdsSlXSe4vGnk1bnmuvTFc1eu8B-mqWWL5B0nJMmMdd1i5MSpi/s708/Screenshot_20240126-081927~2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="708" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY8AHhec5eaXOfyKJYCA0t95XMi-fmAmqKcghKrKwxQjIpkcBoeAoPaqfa_oK9IOddSYBl5ijaMF5w7yb_i1TKY0J-__geA9WAD-KGZ3RIkmc3zHwTSAFTR7KFVpbLs1__CCjMUPb0trdsSlXSe4vGnk1bnmuvTFc1eu8B-mqWWL5B0nJMmMdd1i5MSpi/w640-h632/Screenshot_20240126-081927~2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And finally, "The Rotherham Connection" ...</span></b></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-be1a380d-7fff-0317-a9ff-b0a8cf624e27"><span style="font-size: medium;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rotherham is much like bent Sandwell Council. An absolute sh*thole after decades of Labour control - with many of the same social problems. The bent Council, also like Sadders, enjoyed an inappropriate liaison with their local Police force. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps the only difference between the two rotten Boroughs is that the extensive child sexual abuse in both areas was actually exposed in Rotherham leading to the resignations of the Council’s Chief Executive, Director of Children’s Services and the Police and Crime Commissioner. Meanwhile is Sadders …</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And regular readers will know the even stranger link between the two bent Councils. The Chair of the Warley Woods charity and crazed tyrant, Steve “Squealing” Eling, was (and apparently still is) an employee of Rotherham Council, and was so during the time he (and others like Jan Britton) were plunging Sandwell headlong into the well of corruption as Labour’s Deputy Council Leader and, then, Leader. This vile man kept a pied a terre near Warley Woods but actually lived over 60 miles away from sh*thole Bearwood in a quaint North Derbyshire village.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Curiously Sandwell’s highly paid Chief Executive, Shokat Lal, also worked at Rotherham for a time and, in fact, worked with The Squealer. Lal has insisted on yet another costly “re-structuring” and has reinstated the post of “Assistant Chief Executive”. This has been filled by one James McLaughlin who, from, 2016 to 2020 also worked with The Squealer at, er, Rotherham Council. Small world isn’t it?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xmcm_LhR6bx8nQP1EuibzfMhZ_pfNieJ67LZSNm5K7Nk56OeJM86U3gT6L3-SqhHSnAAXNbmmTqCHSJQZBxqRDxGmLyJ_jsLwZah32_0J7cZ2Kzo3E6SDMNNOXUfpn7k0e8DNinGydevyzHcqkJEUKCnTg9Kr76kaejxGjJmJGkww4QJWGLDgpdDy9vm/s1073/IMG_20240129_134626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1073" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xmcm_LhR6bx8nQP1EuibzfMhZ_pfNieJ67LZSNm5K7Nk56OeJM86U3gT6L3-SqhHSnAAXNbmmTqCHSJQZBxqRDxGmLyJ_jsLwZah32_0J7cZ2Kzo3E6SDMNNOXUfpn7k0e8DNinGydevyzHcqkJEUKCnTg9Kr76kaejxGjJmJGkww4QJWGLDgpdDy9vm/w640-h548/IMG_20240129_134626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></p>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b><p></p></span></span><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRpgWdZ3dvmjYY8HXQOteoEc6udOP0H6ZdTMIRZDH_gBCtRxwakGGB2gQ0QgQPDNbwkQ5gT0DttccJ4XSFwAurlegIeCbwRGVK7A9tnB4q6PgO7xV1D3qIhwI_7Kknea3caSHSkHzWkFUUsGCq6O4M3LHTCasmDZUXdd21468gX5JMk4KxFWHzrJ4VPeM/s724/troll%20mcnally%201%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="724" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRpgWdZ3dvmjYY8HXQOteoEc6udOP0H6ZdTMIRZDH_gBCtRxwakGGB2gQ0QgQPDNbwkQ5gT0DttccJ4XSFwAurlegIeCbwRGVK7A9tnB4q6PgO7xV1D3qIhwI_7Kknea3caSHSkHzWkFUUsGCq6O4M3LHTCasmDZUXdd21468gX5JMk4KxFWHzrJ4VPeM/w640-h612/troll%20mcnally%201%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Gwjugr94zX4zanbxc-rnZzn8FVbPmxWSLBkOXgBb4N8R8wgfYC6HjH3uo6YCpLt-sPhKKYXJNSYdccKjtmOFJ5cj28QnMwEEjX3P1tSLIeNmWuReuWMSO4wsfLE01-tO3u9ihRJiDSnBb0xYPMZQSo0oSBt6f_qUJc_h2n6HbbFDNoogU-lrUbncqC38/s718/trolls%20mcnally%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="718" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Gwjugr94zX4zanbxc-rnZzn8FVbPmxWSLBkOXgBb4N8R8wgfYC6HjH3uo6YCpLt-sPhKKYXJNSYdccKjtmOFJ5cj28QnMwEEjX3P1tSLIeNmWuReuWMSO4wsfLE01-tO3u9ihRJiDSnBb0xYPMZQSo0oSBt6f_qUJc_h2n6HbbFDNoogU-lrUbncqC38/w640-h270/trolls%20mcnally%202.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBURTOXyEaLIeKs_44tWRIKTOxvegu79HkT-3bUwBRUoniffxRdQOkDM_3Jh_KI8mGLZ_LbRGK3Fci4nw1IeTm2nitDedvp21q-4FzLeJ5aArZaDx3XEOOcrV6FRP1LnhFfJHo7GPApL1lFWBcYGS9DLzq3bg6GO2kAwnblTjn-x_KWrPGGMtevQxHkWX9/s725/troll%20mcnally%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="725" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBURTOXyEaLIeKs_44tWRIKTOxvegu79HkT-3bUwBRUoniffxRdQOkDM_3Jh_KI8mGLZ_LbRGK3Fci4nw1IeTm2nitDedvp21q-4FzLeJ5aArZaDx3XEOOcrV6FRP1LnhFfJHo7GPApL1lFWBcYGS9DLzq3bg6GO2kAwnblTjn-x_KWrPGGMtevQxHkWX9/w640-h500/troll%20mcnally%203.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw17rIr60yR1TodK-TpUoSFNBp6I-CpRIRYr496G898eSes4AGWwi0XEZcQoKPypc-UUIecuPvCQrG9hdNVoIdT7cx6IqEN9h7bGxQiNlgIEhLn7PH8CPDKdcyENKuVNDFtIhfaitn60RVa8m6ljV5BzhTg4epgXw3D1GcboV4og9JBmcrM8pHcQFzD6sq/s720/trolls%20mcnally%204.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="720" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw17rIr60yR1TodK-TpUoSFNBp6I-CpRIRYr496G898eSes4AGWwi0XEZcQoKPypc-UUIecuPvCQrG9hdNVoIdT7cx6IqEN9h7bGxQiNlgIEhLn7PH8CPDKdcyENKuVNDFtIhfaitn60RVa8m6ljV5BzhTg4epgXw3D1GcboV4og9JBmcrM8pHcQFzD6sq/w640-h256/trolls%20mcnally%204.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>END</div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-43905806994429760232024-02-19T07:06:00.000-08:002024-02-19T07:06:15.750-08:00Shokat Lal fetes bent ex-Cllr - with OUR money!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">AT LAST! Bent Labour Sandwell Council's Chief Executive, Shokat Lal, who was alone this week in celebrating his one year in post in the benighted Borough, spent weeks (and taxpayers' money) trying to cover-up his mega expensive party nights paid for by, er, us. Regular readers will know that I have been fighting for the truth for MONTHS but Lal made a series of futile attempts to protect his arse. And well he might because The Skidder can now officially confirm that one of his guests AT BOTH parties was bent ex-Labour Councillor, Pam Hughes, the doormat wife of Labour Cllr Peter "Zorro" Hughes (aka Alberich).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The only reason Pam Hughes is not facing a standards investigation into her dealings with Satnam Sahota, a property developer, is that she stood down from her Council seat. Her role, and that of Zorro, in the ongoing "Sahotaville" scandal is still being investigated - though I am facing considerable delay in the provision of information from Michael Gove's Commissioners. I have already written extensively how the Hughes's have been assiduous rimmers of Sahota for many years. Amongst other things they failed to inform the Council that Sahota had turned what was supposed to be a "residential care home" into flats in breach of the conditions of his planning permission, and supported his conversion of another large building nearby into flats in the teeth of opposition from local residents. They also arranged, with Gavan and others, for Sahota to attend at least one Labour Party fundraising event.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Worse still, SMBC arranged to sell a piece of land to Sahota. The information about this is still being withheld by the Commissioners and so it it is not possible to say whether the Hughes's were involved in that decision, although a local Labour Party figure says that Zorro, for one, fully supported the sale to Sahota (but not to anyone else). At this moment in time we will have to give the Hughes's the benefit of the doubt. I should add that Sandwell Police are currently refusing to investigate the Hughes's dealings with the developer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Having bought the land Pam Hughes failed to declare an interest whilst sitting on the Planning Committee when Sahota got permission to build 5 bungalows on the plot - yet again despite fierce local opposition. True to form Sahota was again in breach of the planning conditions, and the matter came back before the Planning Committee. Once again Pam Hughes failed to register an interest. When the bungalows were built the Hughes's moved into one of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have written about all this a number of times (Skidders passim and see legal notice below). Also, one post dealt with that second planning meeting which was held online. Although Zorro was not on the Committee he was allowed to speak on behalf of his ward. This was during the Covid crisis and so the Hughes's were - or should have been - in the same house during the meeting, if not the same room. Zorro purported to represent the local residents who were sick of Sahota and universally opposed to the bungalow development. But far from speaking up for the residents Zorro used this as a platform to slag THEM off! Bent Pam, on the actual Committee, sat and said nothing even then!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Lal has already worked with Surjit Tour and his colleagues to exonerate Zorro using a specious argument that a standards complaint concerning the Sahotaville scandal was made out of time. It wasn't as I have set out elsewhere, and this is now being referred to the Local Government Ombudsman - and other action is also being pursued over this particular Lal cover-up. No action could be taken against bent Pam as she had left the Council by then.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Lal's colleagues recorded that despite all the above being patently true and well-documented, the Hughes's had found my complaints very upsetting "particularly in the light of [Pam Hughes's] diagnosis of cancer and dementia which they [the Hughes's] have NOT sought to keep secret."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">During Pam's time as a puppet for Zorro, bent Labour were vehemently anti-business (unless, like Sahota, KTC Edibles and others, they were "friends of bent Labour"). I am unaware of any pro-business statements (nor indeed anything else sensible) ever having been uttered by Pam Hughes. Yet, despite her obvious breaches of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, Lal thought she was a suitable person to represent the corrupt Council at not one, but two, business awards evenings! You couldn't make it up! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is Lal partying with these scumbags at the first do. He blew £7,500 plus vat of OUR cash on the parties when Labour Councillors claim that after 50 years of THEIR control of Sandwell, there are kids literally starving across the sh*thole Borough.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNijLNDLbtuj33CNsByU3lrA2c4h_cj0RqJRL4YvrlFJzsYZweOn3vKrid8pRCPHxoynw6QVif_w09z0IKMdEUiu4KoFeBfdC7PMJdeIHxf3x_BT2xM5ltKP3f5QhtVWEmKO15oXygffM1V4SWsFxyjOxW02LMRRO9UQM8ZH9Hy4fKZVWSxCgsVkEdHgif/s927/Lal%20&%20The%20Hughes's.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="927" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNijLNDLbtuj33CNsByU3lrA2c4h_cj0RqJRL4YvrlFJzsYZweOn3vKrid8pRCPHxoynw6QVif_w09z0IKMdEUiu4KoFeBfdC7PMJdeIHxf3x_BT2xM5ltKP3f5QhtVWEmKO15oXygffM1V4SWsFxyjOxW02LMRRO9UQM8ZH9Hy4fKZVWSxCgsVkEdHgif/w640-h276/Lal%20&%20The%20Hughes's.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite Zorro's comments about his wife's health she was clearly up for a couple of evenings out and keeping the nose in the taxpayers' trough.</span></p><p><b>Freedom of Information Request One (and Two)</b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Regular readers will know that skint Labour spent £4,000 plus vat for a table of 10 at one of the fake "awards" events run by that old friend of Sandwell Labour, the late wife-beater Darren Cooper, and Cllr Pam Ramhawa, Ninder Johal of Nachural Events (Skidders passim and see legal notice below). Single tickets cost approximately £120 each despite the Council saying that the food was only worth about £8 per head (or with the wine, worth around £18 per head - good, er, business for Johal!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If bent Labour and Lal himself think that this woo-woo event will actually do anything to win business, investment and jobs for Sadders they are, of course, delusional. It hardly helps when many Labour Councillors like Bob "From The River To The Sea" Piper actually want to see the end of capitalism and a socialist dictatorship in his dog-sh*t smeared part of the world. And Lal could have arranged to just buy a few seats at £120 a head (bad, but not so bad). Instead this event was pitched at him as a great chance to improve HIS own profile in the area and so, his ego stroked, he opted for a sponsorship deal at £400 per head plus vat for a party of 10 instead. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Lal got a large pay increase over the previous (disgraced) Chief Exec, but then he is not spending his own money for these parties - he's spending OURS.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And Labour can afford such largesse since the wicked Tory Government has given them lots of OUR money via the Levelling-Up fund including for business regeneration. Of course, loads of this money is going to the "usual suspects" via bullsh*t levels of bureaucracy and talk shops such as "West Midlands Growth" [sic] (where one Shokat Lal is a Board Member). As ever with corrupt Sandwell Labour - under Blair/Brown and even under the Conservatives - they receive pots of money which they then blow on vanity projects and enriching their cronies without it ever "trickling down" to where it is needed. Look at the thousands spent on the pathetic Wednesbury market, as just one example.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This money is actually supposed to improve productivity in the Greater Birmingham area which is 14% below the national average and where economic activity is lower than almost anywhere in the country [source: The Economist]. The Economist also wrote recently that despite all the bullsh*t from former soft-furnishing salesman, Tory Andy Street, he has "hardly moved the dial" when it comes to economic improvement.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Now there is another old problem for bent Labour as I touched on above. Sandwell Labour hate private enterprise, business and entrepreneurship (unless this enriches them personally) and so serious people actually doing business in the urban dystopia hate them. Thus they only have a rump a cronies and PR wallahs as their "business contacts" such as the corrupt Council's wholly unaccountable "Sandwell Business Ambassadors". Who then, went to the parties. Now we finally know!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Initially Lal only named himself and Labour Councillors Peter Hughes and Pam Randhawa as attendees at the first function and refused to name the other guests at both functions. This blog disclosed that an employee, Nicy (correct spelling) Morgan attended and this is now confirmed. Dealing with the first event and, as above, he concealed that he thought bent ex-Labour Councillor Pam Hughes was a fit and proper person to represent the corrupt Council and bunged her a ticket. On 24th November, 2023 Lal specifically attempted to use s.40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act to conceal bent Pam H's attendance! This from the guy who is supposed to be cleaning bent Sandwell up!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As it transpired, Randhawa, a friend of Ninder Johal, had already been given a freebie to the event and so her seat, which the taxpayer paid for, could have gone to someone else. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In November, Lal also refused to name the Sandwell Business Ambassador who attended nor FOUR (!) "Business School participants". In a recent blog*, following my own research, I named the Ambassador [sic] as Paul Hull (and Lal has finally confirmed that it was indeed this SBA shy retiring flower who graciously accepted a free p*ss up at our expense).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Business School" is a term of art, meaning. "a high-level educational institution in which students study subjects related to business and commerce, such as economics, finance and management". There is only one of them in the area, at Wolverhampton University, and I duly wrote to them only to be told that no representatives on the Uni had attended the event (at least not on the Sandwell table). Once again. WTF?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After Lal wasted more staff time in this futile cover-up and a mere 129 days later he finally 'fessed up. Bent Pam H and Paul Hull had attended. And four invitations were sent not to a Business School as Lal had falsely claimed, but to Sandwell Council's own new business start-up scheme (using Levelling-Up funds) in Jack Judge House, Oldbury! Having decided to blow £4k plus vat to promote bent Sandwell as a place to do business. Lal invited four people who were getting advice from Sandwell Council (via the new Business Growth section) to four complete business novices just attempting to start businesses (and, as it was, only three actually bothered to turn up to a free p*ss-up!) Nicy Morgan reminded the invitees - people struggling to start businesses - that this was a "black tie dinner" and later exhorted them to wear their "finery". What an absolute load of w*nk!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Even if Lal thinks there is some value in being associated with a fake awards ceremony only 8 tickets were used (as Randhawa had a personal benefactor) and these would have cost £960 plus vat. Still a massive waste of public money but better than the £4k plus vat sponsorship he chose to waste.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Freedom of Information Request Three</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Although he apparently did not see the need to attend to promote Sandwell himself, Lal authorised attendance and sponsorship at the Black Country Chamber Business Awards in November. This time he ONLY blew £3500 plus vat for a table of 10. Incredibly he wrote an internal email that he wanted more staff from the regeneration [sic] section of the bent paid service to attend such frivolous occasions. Further, he wants to reward employees for, er, doing their well-paid jobs by sending them on a taxpayer-funded p*ss-up. These are his precise and, incredible, words - I sh*t ye not:</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>It would be nice </i><b>[WTF? - Ed] </b><i>to give </i>[i.e., for us taxpayers to "give"] <i>a couple of seats as recognition where they have worked really hard or made an exceptional contribution and they could be from anywhere in the council."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">How the f*ck does this nonsense promote Sadders as a place to do business????</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, and although - as above - this issue is supposed to be coming before the Ethical Standards committee, Lal has approved that not just Councillors but staff also need not declare this hospitality on their Registers of Interests. And, as with the first event, he fought against disclosure of those who did attend at OUR expense.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Whilst he did admit, this time, that bent ex-Cllr Pam Hughes was there (with Zorro) he tried to prevent disclosure on 19th December, 2023 of the identity of the employees (5) and "business representative" (3) who also attended.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I just hope this vulgarian with bent Pam was not one of the honoured guests "representing" the corrupt Council to the local business community!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmUoaVH_Usjz-UN6RaWsuTu2ZUWxUp5jK-Cm3n2tgC3_lgGagUC2btT_ijAeT4Tk06PQFd2VmP8xx5GnaqJUhOIpsCviEc5YBJSUexV2i-x5DduRhFKWU8ya8mUQbWOdF-CIlhGrF-jrp6RUmQmxoZMQ1oNP0FghKXhy3wuZB8RceXeXOUN_p-21wC2Ca/s943/Screenshot_20240116-164004~3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="715" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmUoaVH_Usjz-UN6RaWsuTu2ZUWxUp5jK-Cm3n2tgC3_lgGagUC2btT_ijAeT4Tk06PQFd2VmP8xx5GnaqJUhOIpsCviEc5YBJSUexV2i-x5DduRhFKWU8ya8mUQbWOdF-CIlhGrF-jrp6RUmQmxoZMQ1oNP0FghKXhy3wuZB8RceXeXOUN_p-21wC2Ca/w486-h640/Screenshot_20240116-164004~3.png" width="486" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I persevered. Four employees were Nicy Morgan, Jenna Langford (Regeneration Manager), Michael Wragg (Senior Social Value Officer - whatever that is), and Jonathan Percival (Enterprise Development Officer).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incredibly, and although free booze was on offer, Lal also sent an under-18 years old apprentice along to promote Sandwell enterprise. This just shows how unserious he is about dealing with real business people and how detached from the commercial world the corrupt Labour Council is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The three business representatives were all from the Labour crony - and unaccountable - organisation, Sandwell Business Ambassadors, enjoying a p*ss-up on us. They were: Alan Taylor (Chair and boss of MiGlass); Bevil Williams (CEO "lol" of Re-PC Limited), and Jan Denning (MD -?- of Destination Wolverhampton & Black Country).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bevil - also Bevil James - Williams was a splendid choice by Lal as a representative of the Council. He was a Director of Computers 4 Africa which was formed in 2016 - avoided a compulsory strike off on the Companies House Register and then was voluntarily struck off in 2018 without ever filing a set of accounts. This was not to be confused with Computers 4 Africa Limited - prop.one Bevil Williams - which had an equally short life. Incorporated in 2019 this Company was compulsorily struck off in 2021, again without filing any accounts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bevil James was also a Director of Futures Alternative Education Services Limited. Formed in 2006 this outfit had the odd run-in with Companies House but at least it did trade. Having made a small profit in 2010 the Company was compulsorily struck off in 2014 without filing any further accounts. In 2021 he set up, with others, Caribbean Memorial Limited but resigned as a Director in 2022. That Company was struck off soon afterwards having never filed any accounts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bevil set up ESL Computers Limited in 2003. By 2009 the Company was trading at a loss (according to accounts prepared by the unfortunately named Wallace Crooke, Accountants) and it was voluntarily struck off in 2014 - yet again without having filed any accounts in the interim.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our man was involved with others in setting-up 4XI Limited in 2016. It was struck off the Register in 2017 without having ever filed accounts. But Bevil Williams Associates Limited is still active [sic]. This Company was formed in 2015 solely by the man himself but the last accounts show just £22 in the bank and debtors of just £440. In other words the Company is hardly trading and, in event, current liabilities exceed assets by £198! In other words, it was insolvent at the last accounting date. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On the face of it Bevil is having better luck with IT Refurb Limited which does, at least, appear to be trading. Curiously creditors owing the company money jumped from less than £10,000 to over £25,000 in the last two reported tax years. OK if everyone pays - and see below! This Company has net assets of just £2, 270, although that is in positive territory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What of Re-PC Ltd - the Company he names in his Sandwell Business Ambassadors profile - where is a co-director with a Mr Barrows who was also involved with the defunct 4XI Limited (are you keeping-up folks?) This outfit appears to have made a profit for the two directors of over £15,000 in the last tax year - again, positive territory. Curiously it owes £10,776 to IT Refurb - another Bevil Company - and which may explain the sudden increase in money owed to that Company mentioned in the previous paragraph. Clearly Bevil has some reason why one Company of his is paying for the services of his other live Company. (Perhaps he will write to The Skidder and explain ...)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In short, this man is trading on a small scale and no Lord Sugar. He has also been involved in a number of failed companies and IT Refurb is only showing net assets exceeding liabilities thanks to nearly £11k being owed to it by Bevil's other Company. Let's give the chap credit for trying, but surely Lal can find more substantial business characters in the bent Borough to invite along</span>?</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As far as "Ambassador" Denning is concerned, she uses her website to promote Wolverhampton Racecourse & Holiday Inn - which is handy since both the above events were held there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, there is one person in Sadders who has a dire history of multiple business failures (with his partner having a few more on top). Surely Mr Lal should send Mayor Bill Gavan (aka The Turd of Sandwell) the next time he blows OUR money on a knees-up? (And if it is a knees-up let's hope foul-mouthed Bill doesn't wear his kilt ...)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZwRM-sKvbliKxhTBHJZC17iillH8iYlO__veLRgZ5dTCTUBf022mjoYOW8jSFSMLsxSp6EB_oAfdYwN5NjGFLC74gX3CmoSS0CAnGj7ERD45OOq-pa1b4BzWiHL9qRv-m_-DwBLSmbTB7deIbC_BVxxFJ_rqiD1LBRPqGg8wXZbYffsF_w-fcF7XLGSk/s668/IMG_20230521_124214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="668" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZwRM-sKvbliKxhTBHJZC17iillH8iYlO__veLRgZ5dTCTUBf022mjoYOW8jSFSMLsxSp6EB_oAfdYwN5NjGFLC74gX3CmoSS0CAnGj7ERD45OOq-pa1b4BzWiHL9qRv-m_-DwBLSmbTB7deIbC_BVxxFJ_rqiD1LBRPqGg8wXZbYffsF_w-fcF7XLGSk/w640-h622/IMG_20230521_124214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b style="font-size: large;"><p><b style="font-size: large;">* <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2024/02/sandwells-data-disasters-blue-badge.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2024/02/sandwells-data-disasters-blue-badge.html</a></b></p>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b></span><b style="font-size: large;">use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></span></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-74642155857180776762024-02-12T06:26:00.000-08:002024-02-16T02:06:53.189-08:00Four (Tories) Go Mad in Dorset!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>STOP PRESS - This Tory Council is threatening to use taxpayers' money to sue me if I send this by email to Dorset Councillors! They will not fetter a free press in this way I can assure you.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This post brings together a couple of themes which epitomise everything that is wrong with our failing local government system, and hang on in there local readers since a notorious Sandwell figure features in this sorry tale from the south coast.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Councils across the land are going bust but Councillors continue to spend like drunken sailors (no offence to inebriated matelots). And in many councils the Tories are (almost) as bad as bent Sandwell Labour.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In Sandwell this blog exposed a scam whereby bent Labour sidestep employment and equality laws to appoint people without going through tiresome processes to assess their suitability or aptitude. They do this by simply declaring that a hitherto permanent post needs to be filled on an "interim" (temporary) basis or simply create new "interim" posts. In Sadders bent Labour tried to provide cover for their contempt for the law, and the Council's own rules, by involving that notorious mafia, the Local Government Association (The "LGA" or "Lying, Greedy, Arseholes") in the supposedly "fair" interim recruitment process. Thus when former Council Leader [sic] Cllr Rajbir "The Boy Blunder" Singh sacked Chief Exec, David Stevens, he used WhatsApp and other deletable message apps etc., to appoint a new "Interim Chief Executive", Kim Bromley-Derry, via the LGA. And when Keir "Sir Woodenarse" Starmer said he was going to take a personal interest in Sandwell he was true to his word and his crony, Imogen Walker, was made "Interim Head of the Leader's Office" - a brand new post. The fact that Walker actually lives at least 256 miles from Sandwell in Scotland was no bar to the appointment, and the taxpayer has been lining her pockets ever since. [The Information Commissioner is investigating these appointments given that the LGA has tried to conceal documentation relating to their role in these sordid affairs. It should also be said that neither the three Sandwell MP's nor the small but ever-shrinking group of hapless Tory Councillors have raised any public objections to these appointments. Oh, and by the way, the LGA receives huge sums of taxpayers' money despite behaving like a medieval guild.]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I should add that in bent Councils like Labour Sandwell (currently in Government Special measures due to serious governance issues) once a "rigged" candidate is agreed, a no-hoper is also interviewed to make it look as if there had been some sort of competitive process.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Dorset Council has a Chief Executive called Matthew Prosser who, as it happens, also happens to be President of another local government "jobs for the boys and girls" outfit which goes by the absurd name of Solace UK. WTF? Solace seeks to help senior local government officers keep their seats on the gravy train.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Underneath the Legal Notice below is a link to an ongoing Freedom of Information Request concerning Dorset's employment on an "Interim" basis of disgraced former Sandwell Chief Executive, Jan Britton [Skidders passim ad nauseum] as "Interim Director of Place" [FFS]. Incredibly this xxxx has been employed by Tory Dorset for 12 months at a salary of not less than £150k per annum despite his appalling misconduct in Sadders. To save those who don't have the time or inclination to review the FOI request I have also set out a helpful precis of the documents Dorset has released about this scandal so far - again below the Legal Notice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another issue routinely exposed by The Skidder is the sheer spinelessness of local councillors, especially when so many are vicious bullies. Despite standing for election they are not tough, independently-minded, individuals but pathetic apparatchiks of their party machines - wholly incapable of being able to think or speak for themselves. As we shall see, what is true in Sadders (both on the Labour and Tory sides of the fence) is true of at least four Dorset Tories.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Just one other thing, in passing, before we get to the main course, but it is worth noting that these absurd "Interim" posts can also lead to large sums of public money being handed to recruitment agencies. Anyone who peruses the precis below will note the feeding frenzy as recruitment agencies jostled to get the juicy commissions us taxpayers are forced to pay for this way of filling posts. Although Dorset appears to have a formal system (via Commensura?) for recruitment, Prosser took it upon himself to communicate directly with Solace. Further many of the recruitment firms tried to game the system by sending in CV's other than by the "proper channels". It should be noted that they mostly bypassed the Head of Human Resources, Matthews, and communicated directly with Prosser. Finally, on this subject (and the FOIA is ongoing) Prosser has clammed-up on whether Solace - his organisation - received commission from us taxpayers here. WTS!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And one caveat. There is a Freedom of Information Internal Review pending and readers can see the issues I have raised (if they are very bored) via the link below.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It <u style="font-weight: bold;">seems</u> from the Dorset disclosure to date that Dorset has a contractual procurement channel or "framework" for recruitment but that Mr Prosser decided to personally contact the organisation he is President of, Solace, to canvass for candidates - and, at the very least, give them a head start. We shall see shortly, that Dorset does employ - no doubt at considerable expense to the taxpayer - a "Head of Human Resources" although as we shall, Mr Christopher Matthews, appears to be a pathetic (metaphorical) rimmer of his boss. Despite this Prosser took it upon himself to make the running on the recruitment of this post.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Further, Prosser appears - at least from the disclosure to date - to have unilaterally decided not to fill the existing post on a permanent basis but to advertise it as an "interim one" and you will have seen, as above, that provides cover for councils to do pretty much what the hell they like. Dorset is a Tory Council and Prosser sought political cover for his decision via the Council Leader, Conservative Spencer Flower (pictured below) saying in an email of 10th October, 2023 that he had "spoken" with Flower about making only an interim appointment.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B0FRXRnOBvFW7qqNDgSjIO5oWmvhpx6aToUii7gOFuWkWNV2NCn9D9tuufwUQ2ck2046mF_ppk9XJrzEEzukvZj55Gzed9k-9FjMb1gZNkjz8c2CK5mtI8PAR3hVYt8vu7PufvlR538YIGPy1ob0_vMGv1x_aPcIKcGF_IeQsiizGNqRXGuP7acpqlks/s1171/Screenshot_20240212-085507.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B0FRXRnOBvFW7qqNDgSjIO5oWmvhpx6aToUii7gOFuWkWNV2NCn9D9tuufwUQ2ck2046mF_ppk9XJrzEEzukvZj55Gzed9k-9FjMb1gZNkjz8c2CK5mtI8PAR3hVYt8vu7PufvlR538YIGPy1ob0_vMGv1x_aPcIKcGF_IeQsiizGNqRXGuP7acpqlks/w408-h640/Screenshot_20240212-085507.png" width="408" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, Flower himself has a chequered history in local government having been convicted of "illegal voting" in 2015 by local Magistrates. He boasted afterwards that he had only been given a conditional discharge since his misconduct had merely been a "breach of a technicality". Clearly his Tory colleagues forgot and/or forgave since he is back as Council Leader again. Just the sort of chap perhaps to overlook the appalling record of Jan Britton, I wonder? Well he won't respond to this journalist. (See further below.)</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYXmnqVc3-KnyUtUd4vdO8SnLug49_2AD-N2nCQR4ExT8vfHdNMMHPN6HRlUDVqhpfg2i4-9ibmFy4j5AbEuiHajpsGWqr0rMlHYbS3mhkNiJFOo93GXkDtUpIzsw528kpvAEGFlKHrL8Ps9bv0cPL9N0IQMyUWbmfRMOrum9tGEWMiAgtU-Y64Qobpyy/s1921/Screenshot_20240212-085653.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1921" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYXmnqVc3-KnyUtUd4vdO8SnLug49_2AD-N2nCQR4ExT8vfHdNMMHPN6HRlUDVqhpfg2i4-9ibmFy4j5AbEuiHajpsGWqr0rMlHYbS3mhkNiJFOo93GXkDtUpIzsw528kpvAEGFlKHrL8Ps9bv0cPL9N0IQMyUWbmfRMOrum9tGEWMiAgtU-Y64Qobpyy/w336-h640/Screenshot_20240212-085653.png" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of the BBC website</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Solace sent a number of CV's directly to Prosser who seems to have taken a shine to Britton despite his appalling antics in Sandwell. But there was a flood of applicants via other recruitment agencies. Nevertheless, Prosser whittled the number down to two (both via Solace) and then wrote this to Matthews:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"I spoke to two interims ahead of putting them in front of some </i>[elected] <i>members ... I am tempted to just put one in front of members, can you let me know how HR might support me in the process".</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On the face of it this appears on 24th October, 2023 to be a clear attempt to rig the process so that the awful Britton was the only candidate. But there seems to have been a change of plan and two candidates came back into the frame, at least nominally. Both were via Solace. And there are clear references in the correspondence that Solace were likely to receive fees in respect of their involvement.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As above, Dorset has some sort of clear contractual arrangements for recruitment but Prosser was going off piste in favour of "his" favoured organisation. One might have expected a "professional" like Matthews to have been alarmed about what was going on but he wrote to Prosser on the 25th:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"Have the two candidates come through Solace for Business? If so, I will ensure we have a clear route of engagement which is compliant from a procurement perspective."</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You will not be surprised that I have asked for in-depth disclosure of what this pair were up to and how they were going to make this seemingly non-compliant activity, er, "compliant".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">More applications came flooding in but Prosser was determined not to waste any time and to force the appointment through asap. At this point Matthews seems to have grown a very small pair of balls since he wrote on 27th October saying that he agreed with his boss's (Prosser's) shortlist <b>apart from one</b>! Oooooooh.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But then he castrated himself with this classic piece of arslikhan:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"[Have identified three potential candidates as] potentially good enough for interview <b>but I know you may have insight that I don't that might come into play."</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Pass the sick bag, Alice. And was the "insight" that Britton was to get the job?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Still more applications rolled in but Prosser had already made his mind up, and told three Tory Councillors that there were FOUR incredibly strong candidates ready for interview. They were co-opted to interview this quartet. Despite the importance of the post and the high salary the interviews were to last just 30 minutes each. And lo, Jan Britton was selected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Still more applications were coming in but it was too late. The plan for a six to nine month contract was extended by Prosser (presumably with the authorisation of Flowers) to a 12 month one at a figure around £150k. Discussions were to take place with Solace as to <u>their</u> fees.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Now Prosser and Matthews must have done due diligence on, at least, the four candidates for interview and chosen to ignore Britton's gross misconduct at Sandwell. Most readers will be very well aware of this sickening tale via this blog, and the facts about Britton's appalling behaviour have been in the public domain for many years. What did the due diligence of this pair of "professionals" show, since a simple Google search would reveal a catalogue of horror stories? For those reading this who are unfamiliar with Britton's sh*tbaggery you can read a summary here:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/12/desperate-dorset-council-employ-jan.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/12/desperate-dorset-council-employ-jan.html</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Even this post was incomplete since it failed to deal, for example, with the 25-year Serco Contract which Britton was intimately involved in foisting on the people of Sandwell. During that period Britton started a deeply corrupt "work" relationship with a lowly employee called Paul Reeves and rapidly promoted him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since the above blog was posted Reeves has been convicted of a number of housing fraud offences and received a suspended jail sentence. You can read about that here:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2024/01/nasty-sandwell-scumbag-paul-reeves-gets.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2024/01/nasty-sandwell-scumbag-paul-reeves-gets.html</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Clearly Prosser and Matthews think that a Chief Executive who, amongst many other things, cost his Council hundred of thousands of pounds by subverting a standards case against a Labour Councillor, or one who conspired with Reeves so that they both lied on oath at a criminal trial, is just the sort of guy Dorset needs but, presented with the due diligence, why did the three Tory councillors also think Britton was in any way suitable to be employed in a senior capacity?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I wrote to the three Tory Councillors, Ray Bryan (St Leonards and St Ives ward), Jill Haynes (Chalk Valleys) and Andrew Parry (West Parley) - pictured - links elsewhere and not included in this copy of the email:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - PRESS ENQUIRY</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I understand that you three Councillors were directly involved in a very expensive deal to employ the disgraced former Chief Executive of Sandwell Council, Jan Britton, on a 12-month "day rate" package, seemingly with commission also payable to Solace of which your Chief Executive, Mr Prosser, is the President. ( I note that your Leader seemingly agreed that the substantive position should be an interim one, on day rates, with Mr Prosser).</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>You will be familiar with my FOIA request concerning this bizarre appointment (link below) and I enclose a precis of the timeline for your convenience. Obviously this raises very great concern (and I shall be dealing with further aspects of the FOIA in due course) but suffice to say here that the process "stinks". I refer in particular to the items in bold in the timeline.</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you wish to comment on the process at this stage. please do so.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">It appears that the three of you attended the interviews. Jan Britton will have declared at least some of his appalling record via his CV and, more importantly, Messrs Prosser and Matthews will have supplied you with their due diligence on him prior to the interview. Britton's history is in the public domain and a recent post (link below) details some (though not all) of his extraordinary conduct. He is a major reason - with others - why Sandwell is currently In Government special measures. In the circumstances, why were you three prepared to ignore all this and recommend his appointment? Your insight will be welcomed by my readers in Sandwell and, no doubt, folk in Dorset given the costs of this appointment.</span></i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMKdMd5kCKbyGt_wJbMz3cz29ANb2vD-Rd8tfXTuUazA-P_nOtvfaz9a_8YWyQd6vr_nb-3DgALKHwpldrEViFtTorKrUY0_khKAQcjRfNWl0IIdhoFhEHMK5cnLep5Qr8p6RMBclD2zaW8fto82QvpP-1nWG6P8iyWLmilHk5xAcSphlOFqnCpW_WG7T/s983/Screenshot_20240212-092009.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="955" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMKdMd5kCKbyGt_wJbMz3cz29ANb2vD-Rd8tfXTuUazA-P_nOtvfaz9a_8YWyQd6vr_nb-3DgALKHwpldrEViFtTorKrUY0_khKAQcjRfNWl0IIdhoFhEHMK5cnLep5Qr8p6RMBclD2zaW8fto82QvpP-1nWG6P8iyWLmilHk5xAcSphlOFqnCpW_WG7T/w622-h640/Screenshot_20240212-092009.png" width="622" /></a></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Seemingly incapable of a simple reply there was an outbreak of (metaphorical) pant-wetting by this trio and they instructed the Council's Monitoring Officer (Chief Legal Officer), a Mr Mair, to attack me - at taxpayers' expense! I wrote back to this pusillanimous threesome:</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - PRESS ENQUIRY</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Last week I wrote to you concerning your role in the appointment of the disgraced former Chief Executive of corrupt Sandwell Council to a £150k per annum post at Dorset despite Jan Britton's appalling conduct over a prolonged period of time being chronicled via publicly available sources.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Although you are elected members of Dorset Council you felt unable to respond yourselves but instead you utilised taxpayers' money to have a senior Council employee send a frankly weird reply as your spokesperson.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I will shortly be writing about your involvement in this scandal but obviously have no desire to misrepresent you. Accordingly, based on the Council's FOIA disclosure and Mr Mair's strange email I propose writing that:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1. All three of you were engaged in the recruitment of the appalling Britton including the (apparently 30-minute) interview;</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>2. All three of you were supplied with due diligence from Messrs Prosser and Matthews so that you were fully aware of Britton's misconduct at Sandwell; and </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>3. That, as Mr Mair says, you objectively considered that Britton's history of misconduct at Sandwell was no bar to him being appointed to an Interim Directorship at Dorset (as above, at very considerable cost to the taxpayer).</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I intend to write this all up on Thursday and so, if you wish to comment further,, or to correct any part of the above, please do so by 5pm on Wednesday."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">(Mair claims that I somehow "misrepresented" his aggressive rants at me.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Once again these feeble individuals were incapable of speaking for themselves and Mair sent another aggressive missive to me (indeed he is getting close - depending on where he circulates his bile - to hearing from my Solicitor!) Although I am a journalist, Mair has told me to butt out of Dorset matters, particularly as I am not a resident or taxpayer there (rather like, er, Jan Britton).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I also wrote to Spencer "Shy Retiring" Flower:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - PRESS ENQUIRY</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dorset's Director of Place left last year. On or around 10th October, 2023 you agreed with Chief Executive, Matthew Prosser, that the post should not be replaced in the normal way with a "permanent" appointee but that you preferred an Interim appointment for 6 to 9 months (also paid on "day rates"). Why?"</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He too became a member of the Dorset Tory Wet Pants Club and is apparently too weak to reply.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So there we have it (at least until the next stage of the FOIA process. The good folk of Dorset are paying a fortune for Britton - who I understand is now in post - despite a truly appalling track record, thanks to the weakness of Tory Councillors. There are grave concerns too about the procurement process and the amount of commission Prosser swung for Solace. Local Government at its finest! I wonder what Simon Hoare MP, the Minister of Local Government would say about this omnishambles. Oh, hang on a minute - he's the MP for, er, North Dorset! This disgraceful episode is on HIS own patch <u>and</u> affects HIS own constituents and HIS own local Party members. You couldn't make it up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Tories currently face a year of electoral catastrophe and I think the voters of Dorset should pay heed to this post and act accordingly!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>One final thought: </b>Although Prosser forced this process through before a number of CV's were even received, he says that there were a total of 37 applicants. That means that there are at least 36 senior local government workers who are EVEN WORSE than Jan Britton. WTF????</span></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Link to full FOI Request:</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/interim_appointment_of_jan_britt#incoming-2531822">https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/interim_appointment_of_jan_britt#incoming-2531822</a><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Precis of redacted documents released by Dorset Council so far:</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Britton Timeline - Interim Executive Director of Place, Dorset Council </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The disclosed correspondence from Dorest Council is heavily redacted.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Dramatis Personae</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jan Britton</b> - disgraced former Chief Executive of Sandwell Council forced out without compensation for a catalogue of misdeeds including rigging a Council standards investigation and conspiring with an employee in respect of evidence given in a criminal prosecution. See the full horror story via “The Sandwell Skidder” (Skidders ad nauseum and, in particular, the post of 18th December: “Desperate Dorset Council employ Jan Britton”.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Matthew Prosser</b> - Chief Executive of Dorset Council and President of Solace (a “trade union” for senior local government staff).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Christopher Matthews</b> - Head of HR at Dorset Council</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>04.10.23</b> - Prosser has direct communications with Solace - personally initiating the recruitment process and trying to set up a Teams/mobile appointment. He claims he was “looking for someone who is strong on positive culture of working and budget management.” He tells Matthews he is putting out some “feelers” in the interim market.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>06.10.23</b> - More direct contact between Prosser and Solace. Current salary £150k on contract but can employ on day rates.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>10.10.23</b> - Solace sends 6 CV’s direct to Prosser. Prosser tells Solace he is interested in a couple of candidates and that having spoken with leader [the political head of the Council] “ it might be as we discussed that they [sic] are interested in a 6 to 9 month assignment, this may help when thinking about the day rate …”</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>11.10.23</b> - [Name redacted] sends two Solace CV's to Prosser with rates inclusive of “Solace agency fees”. Reference to “Comensura system” (?)</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>20.10.23</b> - Solace to Prosser referring to a female candidate who is only available three days a week.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>20.10.23</b> - Solace sends Jan Britton’s CV directly to Prosser.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>20.10.23</b> - Prosser writes to Solace and in the unredacted part states: “I am looking for good detail person happy to role [sic] their sleeves up and get into the weeds of the service delivery standards, budget out turn and associated management culture.” It appears two Solace candidates were to be interviewed the following week.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>24.10..23</b> - Prosser communicates with Solace regarding “CV's” (two emails).</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>24.10.23</b> - Prosser to Matthews: “ I spoke to two interims ahead of putting them in front of some members … [redacted] I am tempted to just put one in front of members, can you let me know how HR might support me with the process?”</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>25.10.23</b> - Prosser to Matthews: “The initial two may now be one, so I have gone back around the loop and have possibly two more. They have all come from Solace at this stage. I will reflect today if I need any more to look at.” (It appears that Prosser had not informed senior staff of the departure of the existing Director at this stage).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>25.10.23</b> - Matthews - Head of Human Resources - tells Prosser he will be happy to assist him in the recruitment process (!) He adds, “Have the two candidates come through Solace for Business? If so, I will ensure we have a clear route of engagement that is compliant from a procurement perspective.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>26.10.23</b> - Matthews sends Job description to Marks (recruiters).</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>26.10.23</b> - Prosser tells Matthews that “most CV’’s received are not at the right level”.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>26.10.23</b> - Matthews tells Panoramic the job description had not been “uploaded” - seemingly on Comensura (?)</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Prosser writes to Matthews regarding one candidate but s/he is “expensive”.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Adecco Group sends email with candidate CV although the candidate is apparently looking for a part-time role. Another reference to “Comensura” system (?)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Prosser sends “a couple more” CV's to Matthews apparently sending two CV's received from Service Care Solutions - allegedly “exceptional” candidates.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Prosser is seemingly being overwhelmed with candidates and asks Matthew which “frameworks” are being used in this process.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Michael Page (recruiters) come on the scene saying “Solace has been looking for an interim option” for the substantive role.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Panoramic (recruiters) enter the fray again.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27.10.23</b> - Matthews informs Prosser that HE has completed a shortlist but agrees with Prosser’s selections apart from [redacted]. He identified three (?) C</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">candidates as “potentially good enough to interview, but I know you may have insight that I don’t that might come into play”.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>30.10.23</b> - Venn Group emails Matthews & Prosser with candidate contact details and forward a new candidate CV.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>30.10.23</b> - It seems Adecco Group also has a candidate to be interviewed.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>30.10.23</b> - Matthews writes to Prosser about an interview with Britton.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>30.10.23</b> - Matthews writes to three councillors saying there are four “incredibly strong” candidates and sets 30 minute interview times. He tells them there were 37 CV’s received which he and Prosser had whittled down to four.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>31.10.23</b> - It appears one of Venn’s candidates is to be interviewed but they also push an alternative just in case.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>31.10.23</b> - Matchtech say they have submitted two CV’s via “Commensura” but enclose them direct to Prosser as well. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>31.10.23</b> - Prosser to Matthews appearing to say that some CV’s will be held “in case we are not able to appoint this week.”</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>31.10.23</b> - Prosser writes to Matthews and three Councillors about interviews” (plural) with a decision due “the following day”.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>01.11.23</b> - Vivid Government (recruiters) want to speak to Prosser urgently to sell their candidates (after preliminary contact on 26.10.23).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>02.11.23</b> - [Redacted name] writes to Prosser and Matthews saying that s/he had discussed running the contract via Comensura “and in that regard we will probably need to reduce our margin a little bit anyway to come to an agreement with them”. (?)</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>02.11.23</b> - Prosser writes to Solace and Matthews that Dorset will discuss terms of engagement with Britton adding: “Clearly anything we can do around fees will be helpful, and in that regard we are looking to offer the 12 month period Jan requested …”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">End</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-24017787188006218412024-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:002024-02-08T11:54:00.146-08:00Sandwell's data disasters, blue badge fraud, forgery - I could go on<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sandwell W*nker of the Week</span></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWngjwzVlMhWVMMn_DAKa_sU-SFpg7mtB7Z62ATKD2T2CoGN5RNr8cw4uWFgMfQ9RIjS0-6ILB1oyt8JrU3YOfVAdcNnz3Xkvaes2PV_UF6Ax5ad2OYD6hbsixw42Mz_Qy5Sqv9trB63ajG65Vy4m2Am5NaVkTnRBDhqeK7Tw1pJy1hEjI8aRbWOpLUc0/s923/IMG-20240208-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="923" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWngjwzVlMhWVMMn_DAKa_sU-SFpg7mtB7Z62ATKD2T2CoGN5RNr8cw4uWFgMfQ9RIjS0-6ILB1oyt8JrU3YOfVAdcNnz3Xkvaes2PV_UF6Ax5ad2OYD6hbsixw42Mz_Qy5Sqv9trB63ajG65Vy4m2Am5NaVkTnRBDhqeK7Tw1pJy1hEjI8aRbWOpLUc0/w400-h219/IMG-20240208-WA0000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: medium;">Notorious masturbator, Cllr John Tipper is a sort of permanent candidate for the prestigious award but this week there is a shoo-in. None other that Mark "The Fuhrer" Smith of Sandwell Liberal Democrats. For some reason best known to Lib Dem HQ the Party does not want to fight seats in bent Labour Sandwell. Thus the local Party [sic] is totally under the control of The Fuhrer whose hatred of the Tories is so venomous that he prefers the appalling corruption, cronyism and incompetence which bent Labour has visited on the benighted Borough for so long. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This blog has asked the question before why The Fuhrer sits in his bunker metaphorically masturbating over pictures of Dim Kez, Seig Heil Piper. The Sandwell Slasher (Hackett), Paul "The Cipher" Moore and the rest of the Clown Circus and doesn't just go and join the corrupt comrades he apparently loves so much?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There is no sign of any Lib Dems all year round in Sadders and no criticism of the Labour disaster whatsoever. But as the first cuckoo of spring is heard the Lib Dems waste money by putting up a handful of non-entity candidates at the May election. The Fuhrer then proceeds to attack "The Tories"! Needless to day the end result is ignominious failure despite the National Party doing well in local elections elsewhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a campaign mounting for a bacchanalian orgy across Sandwell on 1st April to celebrate what an absolute toilet the Borough is after 50 years of Labour. But The Fuhrer has attempted to stymie the fun via X (formerly Twitter) stating that "actually" the Tories were is control for, er, ONE of the 50 years! In other words the local Lib Dems under this absurd pedant think that Sandwell's multiple failings cannot be pinned on bent Labour even thought they have p*ssed on local people for 49 of Sandwell's fifty years of existence!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So congratulations Mark, you are SWOTW - and it's the only thing you will win this year!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoie0YtLxsLysrZaqS1PE4XYPrq_B_ZbjpL5Wlsb28xuwo7lpHTrpj90KP1zwywjlJhGB6V-Vyzq9sKhqmFsVt-M_ez-sVpDc3Xz4MitSQ3XwbzFQ004LIwf5_N975drscuheCTynukGrg1NJsuMH8DnaYLn1Vbmx9-3Nf_ZAvHXYvl9utJgrJgm5pp_wD/s603/Screenshot_20240208-153647.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="351" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoie0YtLxsLysrZaqS1PE4XYPrq_B_ZbjpL5Wlsb28xuwo7lpHTrpj90KP1zwywjlJhGB6V-Vyzq9sKhqmFsVt-M_ez-sVpDc3Xz4MitSQ3XwbzFQ004LIwf5_N975drscuheCTynukGrg1NJsuMH8DnaYLn1Vbmx9-3Nf_ZAvHXYvl9utJgrJgm5pp_wD/w233-h400/Screenshot_20240208-153647.png" width="233" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Data Disaster 1</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">News reached The Skidder recently that bent Labour Sandwell Council threw out a filing Cabinet. The only problem was that it was chock-full of highly confidential documents! Sources say that Sandwell Police were drafted in to secure the recovery of the cabinet although West Mids Police say there is no record of this. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The crooked Council claims that the filing cabinet was recovered and was still locked so that they are "confident" that the material was not compromised. Of course, corrupt elements in the paid service have lied and lied and lied over many years and so it is difficult to believe a word they say.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I wrote to the Information Commissioner (IC) about the incident (and another - see below) and asked whether Sandwell had, as data controllers, reported either incident. The answer, as regular readers will guess was, er, "no"! An IC spokesperson said:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“Organisations must notify the ICO within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless it does not pose a risk to people’s rights and freedoms. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If an organisation decides that a breach doesn’t need to be reported they should keep their own record of it, and be able to explain why it wasn’t reported if necessary.” </span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As with the laptop matter below I have now made a formal complaint to the IC so that they can investigate these matters further. Note that this shambles is happening while the Commissioners are still in situ. What the hell is it going to be like when Labour are let loose again without any external checks (I don't count Grant Thornton as being "independent")?</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Data Disaster 2</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I also received reports that a number of laptops had gone walkies packed, again, with personal data of Sandwell folk. At least one of them has apparently ended up "in Eastern Europe"! There are two issues according to staff. Firstly, the management (and Commissioners) have failed to collect laptops from departing employees. They have simply been allowed to keep taxpayer-funded property and, of course, the data is then compromised as being no longer under the, er, control of the Data Controller. Secondly, former and at least one current member of staff, have allegedly been simply nicking them. Once again, Chief Exec Lal is apparently too busy out partying to report these issues to the IC and, as above, I have now made a formal complaint. (See further below).</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Blue Badge - Red Faces</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The worms finally turned a while ago when bent Labour introduced charges for staff to park their cars when coming to work. As ever, Labour has to screw folk to pay for its profligacy and duly shat on their own feeble and cowardly crony staff. But the Dictatorship prevailed and the charges remained. However, one "senior manager" allegedly decided to save himself a few quid by using his father's disabled blue badge to avoid payment! (And see further below!) Of course, it is a wonder anyone actually came into Oldbury Council House now that most of the Shirkforce are "working" from home!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Forgery in the legal department</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The legal department at bent Labour Sandwell has been an epicentre of corruption but another allegation is that senior managers have been involved in forging signatures on documents. (And see further below!)</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I put some of these charges to bent SMBC:</span></b></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"As I am not allowed to contact your press office please pass this to the relevant person of persons for reply.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - PRESS ENQUIRY</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">THIS IS NOT A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST PURSUANT TO FOIA 2000</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">1. I am informed that a senior employee is still in post despite using his father's Blue Badge to secure free parking at your offices? Is this correct? Is it also correct that his line manager conducted first stage disciplinary proceedings?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">2. I am also informed that there has been significant theft of SMBC laptops by former and at least one current employee (who has not been suspended and remains in post). Is this correct? If yes, have you referred this to West Midlands Police and/or the ICO?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Surjit Tour made unauthorised changes to an agreed restructuring plan deleting trainee posts but increasing Grade J Business Manager posts? Is this correct?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Managers in legal services forged the name of a manager on documents and this has been referred to the SRA. Is this correct?"</span></i></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">This is Lal's Council's feeble response:</span></b></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"As these matters predominantly relate to personnel or disciplinary matters, it would be inappropriate for the Council to comment or confirm specific detail on these matters."</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">No smoke without fire and no denial. It is noted that the Council itself refers to "disciplinary matters" and so let's hope any guilty parties are sacked without the usual taxpayer-funded "Golden Goodbye"!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Davey Demoted?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This blog put up a YouTube video of SMBC "Director", Alice Davey, taking the p*ss out of the spineless Labour Cllr, Liam Preece (another useless Labour apparatchik whose Mrs is one the payroll).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here it is ICYMI:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-DX2ajk1qDk" width="320" youtube-src-id="-DX2ajk1qDk"></iframe></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Now it appears that the Director of Borough Economy has been shunted off to be "Service Director for IT and Transformation". Like Sandwell itself : "Onwards and Downwards"!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, this was Lal's management team when he started:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7bpBIRo52p5GmQlsKV1P74rMkpVxl49DicvcyoOxJjr4DUCy8CiOJ77q1Cm0omiSAofdVF9SnEuBFtjhSiYjQ0ILTk45kjUkZh0HWfn9iSK1kqy3TFmsWhhI1e5yvHnzX919w-tVbXrx1xXIzVjD3dXFoh2q7yNNo9XtotdBM_lOpJQMr3zlq_hW6pS2/s1522/Lal's%20Senior%20Team.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1522" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7bpBIRo52p5GmQlsKV1P74rMkpVxl49DicvcyoOxJjr4DUCy8CiOJ77q1Cm0omiSAofdVF9SnEuBFtjhSiYjQ0ILTk45kjUkZh0HWfn9iSK1kqy3TFmsWhhI1e5yvHnzX919w-tVbXrx1xXIzVjD3dXFoh2q7yNNo9XtotdBM_lOpJQMr3zlq_hW6pS2/w640-h238/Lal's%20Senior%20Team.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Davey has been shafted and, at least, Hines, Douglas, Tour, McNally and McGovern are gone or going. This has apparently cost taxpayers another king's ransom and I will be writing about this shortly (and it seems the useless Tory Councillors sat and agreed to huge pay-offs for Hines, McGovern and Tour)! What an absolute shambles again.</span></p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Could the person who sent me the photo of the coffee van on eBay please send me a further copy. Ta.</span></p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lal's P*ss-up Latest</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Shokat Lal is STILL trying to keep the list of attendees at the TWO p*ss-ups us taxpayers paid so liberally for, but The Skidder has identified one at the do in Wolvo last year. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bent Labour set up yet another crony organisation (with the taxpayer funding the website) called the "Sandwell Business Ambassadors" [sic] - a self-appointed cartel not answerable to anyone. Most of the initial "ambassadors" are not business people at all but academics or in OTHER crony organisations like the pathetic West Bromwich Business Improvement District (ROFLMAO).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite all the Ferrero Rocher and the welcome increase of women in these posts ambassadors usually have (metaphorical) balls. But it seems Mr Paul Hull is a shy retiring flower. I wrote to him about his living it up at taxpayers' expense:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"<i>Good afternoon,</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION = PRESS ENQUIRY</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Shokat Lal, the CEO at Sandwell Council, is taking great pains to conceal the identity of the so-called "Sandwell Business Ambassador" who attended the Nachural Events Summer "Awards" party at the Holiday Inn, Wolverhampton Racecourse on 7th, July, 2023. Having done some research, however, I believe that it was you enjoying a good time at very considerable expense to the taxpayer. Am I correct please?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Also, on a point of clarification, you state on the Sandwell Business Ambassadors website (also set up at the expense of the taxpayer although your "organisation" is wholly unaccountable to the public) that you are a Director and Co-owner of KMB Shipping Group, and from public records that is indeed true. However, the KMB website states under "other information" that the company's registration number is "2178814" which is not correct. That registration number applies to another company in which you are involved, Daily Irish Services Limited (not to be confused with Daily Irish Services (Midlands) Limited). Can you explain this discrepancy please?</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Further, whilst KMB Shipping Limited and KMB Shipping Group Limited are extant companies both filed dormant accounts in December, 2013. Do you wish to comment on that noting that your website is holding out to the world at large that KMB Group is a trading entity and, indeed, you also hold yourself out as a representative of KMB"</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fNE30mamWwkJn4UheCxsBUnbVvVOoZ8m-qZC4t9deQVEPBh20VkBCg5_YQca5cbaQcstBJb2O0rUV9nhNp6XlBki_63QExxCH-MebH_Pej3Zmub10oA3Qkx6M3RMrpv6IkLflCkEuL3Lw1zOHVFNi7NdlxtYxzMvXvMzUKTyvWFwWjSk_VX3RgOKAAPq/s1014/Screenshot_20240116-164439.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="761" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fNE30mamWwkJn4UheCxsBUnbVvVOoZ8m-qZC4t9deQVEPBh20VkBCg5_YQca5cbaQcstBJb2O0rUV9nhNp6XlBki_63QExxCH-MebH_Pej3Zmub10oA3Qkx6M3RMrpv6IkLflCkEuL3Lw1zOHVFNi7NdlxtYxzMvXvMzUKTyvWFwWjSk_VX3RgOKAAPq/w480-h640/Screenshot_20240116-164439.png" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Guess what folks? No reply!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Slippery Customer</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When sarf Londoner spiv, John Spellar MP, is not greasing-up the gambling companies or the Australian Government he is asking - orally or in writing - a series of totally meaningless questions in the House of Commons which seldom have any reference to his nominal Sandwell constituency. Cllr Laura Rollins may have exhorted us all to "f*ck the lamprey", but it seems that greedy John has developed a liking for sand eels, hitherto unknown in sh*thole Warley.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBPwBeZMMv6lWelXBenDhCE4zz-BodgjRtDoQRSbQQB3ApuWZM81EIFEgz4Dk059mjW47JPdNv8VzAs_9ci_w7TsQmrwkBMR4rtAKtX7IUGPqUARaE1LfvqbKOKNiStv3ZRK_f4GD7X5iB041LC_zSAfIe5A4LCs-XK3_TiNqwckl358xq116KnPbLWcY/s875/spellar%20sand%20eels%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="875" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBPwBeZMMv6lWelXBenDhCE4zz-BodgjRtDoQRSbQQB3ApuWZM81EIFEgz4Dk059mjW47JPdNv8VzAs_9ci_w7TsQmrwkBMR4rtAKtX7IUGPqUARaE1LfvqbKOKNiStv3ZRK_f4GD7X5iB041LC_zSAfIe5A4LCs-XK3_TiNqwckl358xq116KnPbLWcY/w640-h240/spellar%20sand%20eels%202.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Runaway Richards</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The cowardly Tory Runaway West Brom MP, Nicola Richards, is not known for hanging around the pubs of her constituency (most of which are ghastly beyond belief) and so it was surprising when she used a recent non-newsletter to encourage locals to nominate their favourite "community" pub:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG7i39yZct3TF7Li7k2C2R3uB3EVjfWKauIEh-JQYZDgZ9TsnVs4d3BtpIoB3siBRLU3eDZmSDmYdLQ353rgCqFZoEERpcC1L4nE9iyDXRcBzVMiEWbZtwO72vr6ymHkYtYfeyQlVeX5RE8KB4KNHoc7IoQhFkYTAGLa-uTIuD6Gj5Rqr2_kDjoaf0uni/s727/richards%20pub%20awards%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="593" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG7i39yZct3TF7Li7k2C2R3uB3EVjfWKauIEh-JQYZDgZ9TsnVs4d3BtpIoB3siBRLU3eDZmSDmYdLQ353rgCqFZoEERpcC1L4nE9iyDXRcBzVMiEWbZtwO72vr6ymHkYtYfeyQlVeX5RE8KB4KNHoc7IoQhFkYTAGLa-uTIuD6Gj5Rqr2_kDjoaf0uni/w522-h640/richards%20pub%20awards%201.png" width="522" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Richards rarely has any parliamentary achievements to report and one might get the impression from the above image that she, personally, is doing something for hard-pressed publicans in east Sadders. Alas, the small print tells a different story and the "awards" nominations were actually for pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. The whole shebang was actually supported by the "All-Party Beer Group" of MP's and Peers in Westminster! There was an online voting system and so it was not even necessary to provide your personal data for Richards to simply pass on to someone else!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It would involve considerable expense as there has to be a General Election (GE) in January, 2025 at the very latest but there is still time for this lame duck to go now. WBE is effectively without an MP as Richards plans her departure and spends her time in Westminster (metaphorically) rimming Penny Mordaunt. The Prime Minister has stated that the GE won't take place until the latter part of the year and so why doesn't she just go and let WBE have a by-election at the same time as the May local elections?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It seems the Tories are not going to really fight the seat at the GE anyway (and the two possible Tory candidates named in the media are both outsiders) so that it is inevitable that Tom "Twatson" Watson's pet, Sarah Coombes, will win the seat for Labour. At least a May by-election would give her a few months experience and she would be a shoo-in at the GE. Better someone at least speaking-up for the sh*thole constituency than Richards just hanging around like a bad smell.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">We are still going to celebrate 50 years of Labour shafting local morons (whether Smith likes it or not!)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VXUwbLjSv__x0I3LLrLVTAegOt9dj6l0suJFK-wPUPtQ0A8S2GaHuUeZq6XkxFVM3-XV8qreamLxNwi0_pYO81O_vW3tzpftos1c7_z5Cez5nqWYzP4jidtw_rZ4aRpTjxAMwoCt-nKbeLO8S6LKYPTyCD8rUiScumSk0ZSU15ljEI7RHLqRMo2LUnN0/s1073/IMG_20240129_134626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1073" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VXUwbLjSv__x0I3LLrLVTAegOt9dj6l0suJFK-wPUPtQ0A8S2GaHuUeZq6XkxFVM3-XV8qreamLxNwi0_pYO81O_vW3tzpftos1c7_z5Cez5nqWYzP4jidtw_rZ4aRpTjxAMwoCt-nKbeLO8S6LKYPTyCD8rUiScumSk0ZSU15ljEI7RHLqRMo2LUnN0/w640-h548/IMG_20240129_134626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><p><b><br /></b></p>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b><p></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-68435109514308153672024-01-29T07:04:00.000-08:002024-01-29T23:22:46.685-08:00Nasty Sandwell Scumbag, Paul Reeves, gets suspended jail sentence<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Grab a tea or a pint and get ready for a blockbuster read!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6wFGeFWdy2j6BGiPjyRgrirj-Lz-gcVA2lX_KK3jZa2Zu38jtqp2regvMRScfR74aJObbG-_OwweC7Hr4JT-SfOQmardSpU1jsMrOUpf08vA9iIlLdhnNJQBVbCMtMqzyjPqIGMRp8nrJF8sksJxfw1PqybM9ALUeTIJkMNwjJgVxgIg5-eSjmyaoF5A/s897/tinyviolin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="897" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6wFGeFWdy2j6BGiPjyRgrirj-Lz-gcVA2lX_KK3jZa2Zu38jtqp2regvMRScfR74aJObbG-_OwweC7Hr4JT-SfOQmardSpU1jsMrOUpf08vA9iIlLdhnNJQBVbCMtMqzyjPqIGMRp8nrJF8sksJxfw1PqybM9ALUeTIJkMNwjJgVxgIg5-eSjmyaoF5A/w400-h310/tinyviolin.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bent Sandwell Council’s disgraced former Chief Executive, Jan Britton’s right-hand man, Paul Reeves, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday 25th January, 2024 to a 20 month jail sentence suspended for two years (plus ancillary sentences - set out below) for housing fraud against - boom, boom - bent Labour Sandwell Council! Reeves has featured many times in this blog (see legal notice below) and is a nasty ****. The perceptive Judge described him as a "thoroughly devious and dishonest man" - as Jan Britton well knew. This detailed blog tells the whole sordid story together with details of the p*sspoor performance of the Sandwell Council prosecution team and our shambolic justice system. When I tell you that Reeves's </span><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">own</b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">barrister</b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> started his plea in mitigation by saying that a custodial sentence was "inevitable" you will guess that something went badly wrong when Reeves escaped with a suspended sentence. Now read on ...</span></p></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4XqZceEiupesaX7qhJQ_m4u9bp6eC_t5VZNmCZxhwhMjEavvCuISrFs4wK7-4uD5EoLBF_4k3EgFGS2pTRM1x6rDymMMZW5Pd4Wmc0rV45hMB7JKCqf-JSECLfvhA4tfYW3_3EWP6N1JC5yVHTf51eH6zIwjtXWhDGkbv5QwUAqXTBswKSjyfZKz9I9t/s543/Screenshot_2023-09-19-15-02-10-34_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="192" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4XqZceEiupesaX7qhJQ_m4u9bp6eC_t5VZNmCZxhwhMjEavvCuISrFs4wK7-4uD5EoLBF_4k3EgFGS2pTRM1x6rDymMMZW5Pd4Wmc0rV45hMB7JKCqf-JSECLfvhA4tfYW3_3EWP6N1JC5yVHTf51eH6zIwjtXWhDGkbv5QwUAqXTBswKSjyfZKz9I9t/w226-h640/Screenshot_2023-09-19-15-02-10-34_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f%20(1).jpg" width="226" /></a></div><span><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reeves started at bent Labour Sandwell Council as a gravedigger but was a pal of wife beater, “Dickhead” Darren Cooper, the thuggish “leader” of the Council until that brutal monster died during a drugs and booze orgy on the 2016 Easter weekend. Under the patronage of Cooper and Jan Britton, Reeves started his inexplicable rise through the ranks at the bent Borough whilst, simultaneously, Sandwell became synonymous with corruption, cronyism and incompetence on Britton's watch.</span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Cooper was involved in at least 16 Twitter accounts trolling myself and my wife (and her employers). His pals in West Midlands Police naturally refused to act against him. Indeed they did exactly the opposite, and began their own vicious vendetta against me personally from 2015 to 2019. Like many trolls, Reeves operated at least two Twitter accounts, and used one of them to join in Cooper's nasty trolling campaign. I informed Jan Britton that one of the trolls was Reeves, or someone impersonating him, way back in 2015 but, of course, Britton knew full well what Cooper, various union reps and employees were up to.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7lhE6d4wfoLmSYV_zNBFYGONeSPuCl2-Qen1TBxfjkid7xElvpKYIU2VRggrgPCklc6ZgMabynnaKWK0jyKqTEO0J26fnqqEecQbwb07trDlal9qpbd8SpleNM1IocQqsMU-MiRShZyHXGFhDeAEDgqKfJOyT6ov_64wlXeVKyK4_GPKEGfiVa8XdF7z/s1581/britton%20reeves.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1581" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7lhE6d4wfoLmSYV_zNBFYGONeSPuCl2-Qen1TBxfjkid7xElvpKYIU2VRggrgPCklc6ZgMabynnaKWK0jyKqTEO0J26fnqqEecQbwb07trDlal9qpbd8SpleNM1IocQqsMU-MiRShZyHXGFhDeAEDgqKfJOyT6ov_64wlXeVKyK4_GPKEGfiVa8XdF7z/w640-h366/britton%20reeves.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Britton also allowed Reeves to run his own Company, Paul’s Gardens, in addition to his onerous duties as his (male) Rimmer-in-Chief. (The ghastly Britton also had at least two female handmaidens to carry out his orders without question).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Happily, Easter Sunday 2016 did not see the resurrection of the wife beater, Cooper, but another brute was waiting in the wings and weirdo tyrant Deputy Leader, Steve “Squealing” Eling, got the top political job. His paranoia knew no bounds and he set up a paramilitary-style police force to “protect”, er, himself - the so-called Environmental Protection Officers (EPO’s), aka “Eling’s Barmy Army”. The cost of this to us taxpayers was eye-watering but, even more incredibly and as Labour corruption continued on a grand scale, The Squealer and Britton made Reeves leader of this crazy gang where he also became a great favourite of corrupt local cops. This was a senior, Grade J, post. What could possibly go wrong?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There are a number of stories featuring Reeves - some of which have featured in this blog if you want to look them up - but the two most egregious episodes related to (a) the “Becky Nutting” leaks, and (b) the infamous “C*cksucker” trial. Happily, his role in those appalling episodes led to his downfall.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Becky Nutting was Reeves’s then partner (see further below). Suddenly “she” began to send me emails making a series of serious allegations about Reeves’s enemies working at the corrupt Council including senior ones (Skidders passim). Reeves didn’t have a sh*t without Britton holding the cheeks of his arse apart yet “Mr Blackberry” denied all knowledge of what his personally-appointed “head of security” was up to! Given the level of detail sent to me the malicious emails were either sent by Nutting at Reeves’s command or, much more probably, from Reeves himself using her name and email. Incidentally, it was confirmed in the court hearing that Reeves had direct access to Britton - as we always knew.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The scumbag Reeves attacked a Director of the Council, Adrian Scarrott (the cop-shagger who was forced out following the Wragge Report fallout) and, even more viciously, attempted to shaft senior and other managers at the bent Labour Authority including by making allegations of fraud and theft against them. Much of this was described by me on 20th December, 2018 in a post entitled, “Jan’s Leaker - Part Three - SMBC Employees". (Incidentally the allegations also concerned the appalling former Mayor of Sandwell, Derek Rowley, but Labour's bent mates at Sandwell Police also failed to properly investigate his attempted sale of Council property via Facebook.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reeves was also directly involved in the “C*cksucker” affair when I used that apt word to describe Jan Britton whilst, unfortunately, having a megaphone in my hand (as one does!) Reeves immediately called his pals in the Bent Blues who appeared almost instantaneously to harass me (try getting them to come out so quickly if your house is being burgled). Regular readers will know the story. The Police (and CPS) couldn’t wait to prosecute me and did not bother to await video and other evidence via my (then) Solicitor. They charged me as quickly as they could (and, deliberately and maliciously, with a more serious offence than a simple "public order" one). At the trial, Jan Britton and Reeves both told exactly the same lie under oath in the witness box, but all to no avail since I was acquitted as soon as the District Judge watched the video footage (which, incredibly, the Bent Blues and the CPS had still not even bothered to do before the trial had actually commenced)!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After the trial I endeavoured to have West Midlands Police prosecute the pair for perjury but, yet again, the Bent Blues protected their pals. Oh, and at the time Britton’s son was working for - yes, you guessed it - West Midlands Police. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What is so sick about West Midlands Police (and it has to be said, in fairness, that there now APPEARS to be a change of attitude under recent local force leadership in Sandwell) is that in all the matters raised by this blog the Police carry out little or, more usually, NO investigation whatsoever into alleged criminality at the Council despite their considerable legal powers. They are STILL at it now - refusing to investigate the Peter & Pam Hughes/Satnam Sahota activity or the bent Lion Farm and other deals involving Jeremy Knight Adams.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The excuse given by the Bent Blues for not prosecuting the pair for perjury was that - by an amazing coincidence - Britton and Reeves might both simply have been “mistaken” and it was pure chance that they both told precisely the same lie under oath! What I suspected - but didn’t know at the time of my complaint to WMP - was that the pair had actually colluded with respect to their evidence. It later transpired that they had done exactly that, and Sandwell Council itself was so concerned that IT sent documents to West Midlands Police about both Britton and Reeves showing this. Even then, the Bent Blues refused to investigate their chums! Absolutely sickening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The only good news was that all this - together with Jan Britton’s involvement in the deliberate tampering with evidence in the Simon Hackett Scandal (still ongoing folks - watch this space) led to the downfall of the lying pair.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another issue - which I cannot discuss here I’m afraid (at least not yet) - led to certain information about Reeves being sent directly to West Midlands Police. In particular, “intel” was sent directly to former Sandwell Chief Super, Richard Baker (now an Assistant Chief Constable). Regular readers will know that “Rich”, as his erstwhile mate The Squealer called him, was - initially - the puppet of Eling and Britton although, to be fair to him, the scales eventually fell away from his eyes and he told the tyrannical Eling, in terms, to “do one”. I can say, however, that information regarding Reeves was supplied directly to Ch Supt Baker on, at least, 7th January, 2019 and 13th February, 2019 but, yet again, no action was taken. Who knows whether his criminality might have been nipped in the bud if Reeves had been investigated at this time rather than him carrying on believing himself to be impregnable? (There is another serious issue arising from all this which I cannot describe at this time).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reeves was suspended and eventually “left” the Council. He reappeared as a school caretaker (grandly described as some sort of "Facilities Manager) until around October, 2020 when, to universal astonishment amongst The Skidderati, he was also taken on by Holdens Brewery as the new mein host of The Wheatsheaf pub in West Bromwich (on a self-employed basis). Myself and others tried to warn Holdens via social media - including on 12th October, 2020 - what this **** is like but to no avail. Remember - Read The Skidder, Kidders! We know now that Reeves continued with both jobs simultaneously. Shireland Academy, the schools group, were apparently so happy with his work at their West Bromwich Collegiate Academy outpost on Kelvin Way that they allowed him to run The Wheatsheaf on the side!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, a number of current and former employees have communicated with me to complain about this scumbag. One comment sums things up nicely,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>"Paul Reeves was hated at Sandwell by everyone who knew him - apart from Jan [Britton]"</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Alas Reeves had apparently separated from la Nutting and was immediately provided with a two-bedroom flat at Marmion House, Dial Lane, West Brom, by bent Labour Sandwell Council. And woe, the ex-gravedigger seemingly couldn’t live on his pay from the pub <b>and</b> from Shireland Academy, and decided to acquire some extra loot by moving into The Wheatsheaf whilst illegally sub-letting the Council property. See, I told you he was a ****.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He was convicted of numerous false declarations concerning the tenancy contrary to the Fraud Act 2006 and with sub-letting the flat contrary to the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013. The only bit of credit he deserved from all this is that he pleaded guilty to all the charges at the first opportunity at Dudley Magistrates' Court who remitted the matter to Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing. Whilst subletting, he also unlawfully tried to use the period of his non-residence to claim his "right to buy". Adding in a claim for the time sent in social housing with Nutting he would have been entitled to a discount of £53,457 had the fraud not been discovered. Oh, and he also claimed a single person discount for occupancy at Marmion House when not actually in residency and, for some of the time being shacked up with at least one named female. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He was committed by Dudley Mags to be sentenced at Wolvo Crown Court on Thursday 21st September, 2023 but as with those notorious Sandwell Council criminals, Hayre and Rai (Skidders passim), the creaking justice system descended into fiasco. Sandwell Council sought a custodial sentence which the “tariff” merited. Notwithstanding this, the Court listed the matter at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolvo which has been operating as a so-called “Nightingale” or overspill court. But there was an obvious problem with this since the Hotel has no cells or prison transport service so that there was no way Reeves could be imprisoned that day. It is unclear whether Reeves knew this since he turned up without legal assistance in his own car - clearly expecting to be driving himself away afterwards. Unfortunately, bent Sandwell Council's hapless legal department didn't realise this either since they made no application beforehand to move the hearing to the main Court building (an example of the incompetence which was to manifest itself again later on - see below).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At Park Hall, Sandwell's barrister, Mrs Patel, who acted throughout this matter, very fairly advised Reeves to seek legal assistance as his offences merited a custodial sentence. The Judge also believed that prison appeared to be appropriate from the papers before him, and in the absence of any cells at the location had no option but to adjourn the case for a hearing at the main court building in Wolvo.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I had to write to the Court complaining of the completely inadequate sound system in the hotel ballroom/court. Further, and I can’t supply details here for obvious reasons, I also reported a very major defect in the security arrangements at Park Hall - which I am assured by the Crown Court was rapidly rectified!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For reasons that were unexplained, the next Court date was also adjourned and the matter came back to Court on 10th November, 2023. In the waiting area the Prison Service presented Reeves with a “welcome pack” for his impending imprisonment. But, yet again, the case had to be adjourned since, due to technical difficulties, Reeves’s barrister had no access to the court papers and was unable to represent him at the hearing. Once again, justice was delayed and denied, and Reeves walked free.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">A short digression:</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Alert readers will have noticed that neither this case nor the Hayre and Rai drug-dealing one were brought by those major rimmers of bent Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police. Hayre and Rai were prosecuted, and are now behind bars for a long time, thanks to the National Crime Agency, and Reeves was prosecuted by Sandwell Council itself. It is high time the Chief Constable got a grip and made sure that the "friends of Sandwell Labour" in the force are moved on, and those left start feeling a few collars!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The case continues:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The matter came back to Court on 24th November, 2023 and I trekked over to Wolvo yet again only for the case to be adjourned - AGAIN! Most of another day wasted. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The case came back on 5th January, 2024 and eventually got going but very late in the afternoon. Unfortunately there was not enough time to conclude the case on that day and, yet again, a new hearing date had to be set - for 25th January (over FOUR MONTHS after the Park Hall fiasco).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, this criminal and members of his family tried to intimidate me at the hearing on 5th January, 2024 and I was obliged to write this to the Court on 7th January:</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>"I have been in communication with you about my press accreditation which has been previously accepted and also forms part of a recent judgment by HH Judge xxxxxxx.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>I received an email from you dating 28th November, 2023 confirming that an unidentified Judge had ordered that I may attend the Paul Reeves hearing (Court 4 on Friday, 5th January, 2024) and take notes of the proceedings.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>On Friday I arrived at Court very early and sat in the downstairs waiting area doing some work. The Defendant (who has pleaded guilty and was attending for sentencing) came in with three others and began to try and intimidate me - firstly by falsely saying, within seconds of them entering the building, that I was "taking pictures of them". A security man duly accosted me at my table with this allegation. I satisfied him that I was certainly not taking photos of anyone and he was gracious enough to apologise to me.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>I should say that I am nearly 66 years-old, have no criminal record (not even a parking ticket) and was a litigation Solicitor for 18 years so that I know how to behave in courts.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>During the morning I showed the Court 4 usher your email of 28.11.23 and she took it to check with the Court Clerk that all was well. She confirmed to me that it was. When the case was eventually called on Reeves went into the dock but I was sitting in the public gallery part of the Court. One family member chose to sit directly behind me to intimidate me. When the hearing began the same usher who had approved my press credentials came up to me and asked me to keep my note-taking discreet as the criminal's family had complained to her about it!</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>I pointed out that I was press and allowed to take notes. The ensuing kerfuffle actually interrupted the case and the usher went to speak privately to the Judge who, happily, gave the family very short shrift. May I also remind you that I wrote to you not so long ago as a law-abiding person pointing out a potentially serious security defect in your arrangements at Park Hall, which is hardly the action of someone wishing to flout court rules.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i>The fact remains that I was intimidated twice by the Defendant and his family whilst going about my lawful and authorised business. The hearing went part-heard and I shall be attending in my press capacity to take notes of the remainder of the hearing on 25th January, 2024. I trust that the usher and security staff will be made aware of the potential for further intimidation of me by this family on that date and that I will not be hindered in my lawful activity."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Happily the Court were able to put measures into place to protect my ability to report the case without further aggro (apart from one of Reeves's family making absurd pointing gestures at me prior to the final hearing).</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">A further short digression</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sharp-eyed readers will have noticed the allegation that I was "taking pictures" of the criminal and his party. This was not only untrue but highly unoriginal since Skidderati will know that I faced a barrage of similar false allegations back in 2015 on social media from Sandwell union reps including, inter alia, that I had been in Dudley photographing one on a day I was working all day at the NEC, and that I had been covertly "photographing women" in a Sandwell pub (this false allegation also being made by two union reps and close allies of the wife beater, Cooper). Reeves himself had been directly involved in this pile-on and also falsely accused me of "photographing his kids" - which would have been quite remarkable as, at the time, I didn't even know he had any! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Court heard that the tenant who originally moved-in via the unlawful sub-let was allegedly unaware that the property was a Council one although, it seems, she knew Reeves, it is claimed that she thought it was a private rental. This seems odd since, as the Judge (His Honour Judge Ward) pointed out, Reeves told her to say, if she was ever asked about the payments, that they were payments for a car. Later on, she did become aware of the true facts since there were text messages wherein Reeves told her she could remain as a tenant of the premises once his "right to buy" application was successful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reeves moved into The Wheatsheaf for a time before shacking up with his new squeeze in Tividale. Facebook images show a presentable woman who one might think would normally not be the type to associate with a loser like Reeves. Curiously, she now has an academic post at a university after being awarded a first-class degree in Criminal Psychology. Perhaps she was using Reeves as a case study lol! Alas it is claimed that the relationship has foundered. The Court was told Reeves is reconciled with Nutting (although allegedly not living with her). La Nutting apparently supplied a reference for Reeves to the Court and she attended two of the earlier hearings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We saw in earlier posts that bent Labour Sandwell Council were wasting yet more taxpayers' money by sending not one but TWO lawyers to sit behind barristers at hearings. Ms Maher-Smith, a Sandwell Solicitor, told a Tribunal that this ridiculous conduct only applied to cases in which I was involved! Nevertheless, at all the hearings in this case two Sandwell staff arrived each time to sit behind Mrs Patel and I will return to this issue below (although I am not sure both were lawyers).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Let me also explain how Court cases work in the real world as opposed to on TV. Barristers act on the instructions given to them by their Solicitors (in this case, Sandwell Council and Reeves). The Judge will have a file of papers but his/her role is not an investigatory one in our legal system and, aside from the documents, s/he can only rely upon what they are told. I will also mention here that although Mrs Patel was like a rottweiler at the commencement of this series of hearings she was more like the Andrex puppy at the end offering no challenge on certain issues as we shall see below.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On 5th January, as above, the case started very late in the day and the Judge was having difficulty in understanding the niceties of the "right to buy" scheme. Although two SMBC staff were sitting there they were unable to help Mrs Patel to put the matter clearly to Judge Ward. Further, Sandwell claimed via Mrs Patel that the fraud was aggravated by the fact that Reeves was a long-standing member of staff and he had "inside knowledge" of how to "game" the housing system. When the Judge rightly asked what Reeves's employment history actually was, Team Sandwell was unable to provide the information!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Also on the 5th, Judge Ward was presented with a reference which was initially purported to have come from Reeves's employer, Shireland Academy Group (as opposed to The Wheatsheaf). Reeves's barrister - seemingly on instructions from his criminal client - told the Judge that Shireland were so enamoured with St Paul that he was responsible for a big budget and that his job would remain available open to him despite the Court case. The Judge expressed considerable surprise at this and HE (rather than Team Sandwell) pointed out that the "reference" was from a workmate and not from any person in authority at Shireland. Mrs Patel did not challenge this at all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, The Skidder smelt a stinky rat in Sandwell's inability to provide a job history etc. for Reeves and when the hearing was adjourned yet again wrote to Sandwell's new Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer, "Mike" Jones (please note in particular the sections below in red):</span></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">"URGENT - I require confirmation that Mr Jones has personally received this email.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">THIS IS A STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION UNTIL 25TH JANUARY 2024 (OR SUCH LATER DATE WHEN THE SENTENCING OF PAUL REEVES IS CONCLUDED)</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">In my capacity as a journalist I have now attended three hearings in respect of the admitted Housing Fraud by Sandwell Council's former "Head of Security", Paul Reeves.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">I am sure you have been given orders not to communicate with me but I am available should you wish to do so if you go through the proper channels.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">I am shocked at what has been happening in Court. Most importantly, the Judge last Friday gave SMBC just 7 days to file further information before another hearing on 25th January. 2023. Urgent action is required.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">SMBC investigated Jan Britton's former right-hand man for housing fraud. He pleaded guilty at Dudley Mags. I assume that you had at least one member of staff there and probably the same barrister who has attended the same three hearings as myself in Wolvo.</span></i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>Reeves was sent to Wolvo Crown Court for sentencing and here was the first error by your staff. Although SMBC has been pressing for a custodial sentence neither your solicitors nor barrister seem to have objected to the hearing at Park Hall where there are no cells and no-one can be imprisoned. I knew this beforehand and so why didn't your lawyers? As it was, the hearing had to be adjourned to be heard at the central Wolvo CC where, of course, there are cells and prisoner transport arrangements.</i></span></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">I should also say here that I settled a First Tier Information Rights Tribunal case against SMBC wherein I had asked for information as to why two SMBC solicitors were turning-up in pairs at hearings to sit behind Counsel when this was an egregious waste of public money. I settled the case upon representations by Ms Maher-Smith that you only blew public money on such staff duplication in cases involving myself. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">In all three hearings in Reeves so far TWO SMBC employees have attended EACH TIME. It may be that one or both are not lawyers - perhaps one is from the housing section? If they are both from housing, why the duplication again? I will comment further on this below.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">At the next live hearing SMBC were blameless in that the matter was adjourned due to unavailability of Reeves's Counsel..</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">On Friday last - 5th January - the hearing started late but your Counsel, who should be well aware of the case after all this involvement, seemed all at sea and, more to the point, she was not helped by the TWO SMBC employees sitting behind her. Her earlier pugnacious manner seemed to evaporate although when I made a comment outside the hearing she snapped that I (yes, me) should produce evidence! Funny that since I thought that was what the taxpayer had been paying your staff to do. (As it is, I have written in detail about Reeves in the blog and some information has been in the public domain for ages.)</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Matters arise from Friday's hearing. There is a caveat in that I do not, of course, have access to the paper bundle and so I can only glean matters from the oral submissions.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">The main point of concern is that SMBC specifically submitted that the fact that Reeves was a former employee was an aggravating factor in that Reeves was said to be au fait with the right to buy regulations. The Judge asked about his status at SMBC and your legal team was completely unable to say anything. The Defence barrister suggested he had been a gravedigger and then worked on pitch maintenance. In the absence of more, the Judge was not prepared to consider this evidence as aggravating.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">What is incredible is that whilst one member of your staff searched on a laptop for Reeves's "CV" (without success) the other sat gazing into space. Why on earth didn't she leave the Court and phone the office? Was this inexperience/incompetence or did she know that at 4pm on a Friday afternoon it was improbable that anyone at the Council would actually still be working?</span></i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>Of course, his rise was inexplicable given his lack of ability save that he was a personal friend of Darren Cooper, pals with a number of union reps who benefitted from council housing and/or right to buy and was disgraced Chief Executive, Jan Britton's, attack dog. All that is unprovable without witness statements but you can still prepare a record of his CV for the defence and the Judge. This will show that he rose to be head of the EPO force and you should mention that this involved minor level law enforcement.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i>My understanding is that this scumbag was suspended in 2019 and this can also be mentioned on the record to counter the suggestion from him, via Counsel, that he was a paragon of virtue before the current offences. I wrote in my blog, "Britton's Leaker revealed ..." of 31.03.19, "It was said that Mr Paul Reeves. the manager [sic] who was suspended last week at corrupt Sandwell Council ...". I suspect there will be some difficulty arising from this, however, since although he was apparently suspended I expect that Surjit Tour arranged a confidentiality agreement to stop him blabbing all that he knew, and received the usual Sandwell "golden goodbye". Perhaps Tour supplied him with a glowing reference despite his misconduct hence why he got a job quickly at an Academy school? If Tour has concealed the misconduct in the leaving terms then that will deprive of you a possible alternative argument of aggravated circumstances i.e., that he tried to screw the Council to get back at it because of his dismissal from a well-paid job. I will be interested to hear your Counsel's submissions on all this on the 25th!</i></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i>Jan Britton also permitted his lackey to run a gardening business on the side.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i>The Defence barrister alleged that his job with Shireland Academy (West Bromwich Collegiate) will be open to him after sentencing. Your barrister rolled her eyes at this but said nothing. The Judge himself expressed surprise at this noting the fraud conviction and that the Barrister claimed Reeves was responsible for a large budget! (Not to mention other issues of concern arising). The Defence barrister claimed that Reeves must have gone through rigorous DBS checks etc for safeguarding reasons at the Academy but I suspect that the Academy knows nothing about all this - hence why Reeves and his family tried to intimidate me twice on Friday at Court (a matter I have referred to Wolvo CC).</i></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i>The Judge also pointed out that the reference allegedly from his employers was not from an official source but from a work colleague. Of course, it might backfire if the Academy say that they will continue to employ Reeves despite his fraud conviction, alleged alcoholism etc (although that will certainly be newsworthy) but I still suggest that you contact Reeves's Solicitors and ask them to produce written formal evidence from the Academy as to the true position.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>[By a weird "coincidence" one of Reeves's superiors there is Jane Kellas, wife of SMBC former Director, Stuart Kellas.]</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>It may be somewhere in the papers but I got the impression that the Judge may [not] have been aware that Reeves took over as Manager of The Wheatsheaf whilst still working for the Academy full-time. Perhaps this is clear from the papers but the flow on Friday seemed to suggest that Holdens Brewery's arrangement with him was that he provided a bond to them and was then paid purely on a commission basis with him being responsible for paying staff etc. They were unaware that he was working at the Academy but don't really care - they say Reeves was self-employed as far as they were concerned and as long as the pub was open and staffed anything else he did was his concern. But did the Academy know that he was moonlighting at the pub? Further, Holdens say that Reeves was responsible, as a self-employed person, for completing his own tax returns. I believe you should ask Reeves's solicitors for his tax returns for y/e 2021. 2022 and, if available, 2023. I suspect there aren't any which will cause the Defence considerable embarrassment given the submissions made so far. It is also noteworthy that on 15th July, 2021 Reeves set up a Limited Company using the Wheatsheaf's address - "The Guv's Pub Company Ltd" which was struck off in 2023 without filing any accounts. So where was the commission from Holden's Brewery actually going and where is the evidence.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>There are anecdotal allegations concerning other matters surrounding his time at The Wheatsheaf but these are unlikely to be proveable - at least by 25th January. There is a suggestion, however, that Reeves was also renting out the flat at the pub and receiving income from that. If that is true I am sure he won't have been declaring that income either. It may be that you can follow this up since my understanding of the SMBC evidence was that Reeves lived in the flat whilst sub-letting the Council property but then moved to an address in Tividale which I assume is that of his former fiance (allegedly) xxxxx xxxxxx? I believe the pub required someone to be living on the premises and so you should ask Reeves's solicitors who lived in the flat when he was shacked up in lovely Tivi and whether that person (and I think I know who it was) paid rent.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>The Judge himself admitted to losing concentration after a long day as the hearing dragged on into the early evening and everyone seemed confused about the right to buy discount. SMBC says that due to previous time in social housing he would have been eligible for a RTB discount in excess of £50k (and it begs the question where Reeves would have got the rest of the money from, specially noting that he became subject to an IVA on 08.06.23). This had a bearing in respect of sentencing guidelines and I don't really understand what the Judge was saying. There seemed no doubt in Court that his discount was calculated on the basis of 15 years residence and your Counsel did rightly say that he would have been entitled to this but for the fraud. I will leave you to work that one out. The fact remains that he made a fraudulent attempt to benefit from right to buy AND he pleaded guilty to that!</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>There is a question, however, how Reeves, a single man with a full-time job, came to be eligible for a 2-bedroom flat on leaving his wife/partner. Of course, SMBC has form for such arrangements for employees so did Reeves get special treatment from pals on the staff who knew him? Perhaps you can arrange for that to be checked out? Did any of your employees stand to gain financially if the bent deal came off?</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>There was a bizarre argument that he did the flat up as a home for himself and for the benefit of his visiting children which went pretty much unchallenged except for a joke from the Judge. Your barrister could have posited the alternative view that he tarted the place up so that he could make a profit from sub-letting it, but she said nothing. It was suggested that there is a record in the bundle whereby SMBC staff thanked Reeves for the good condition of the property when he handed over the keys! Can this possibly be true and, if so, how is it appropriate for an employee or employees to say this to him in the knowledge that he has not been living there himself but sub-letting the flat for financial gain? If this submission is actually true were the irresponsible staff his pals again?</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i>At the previous hearing your Counsel had been very anxious to say that the delays in this case were not down to SMBC (something which is arguable given SMBC legal team's failure to move the original listing away from Park Hall). On Friday, however, she sat and said nothing when the Defence Barrister tried to use the stress this series of hearings were having on his Client! Why did your Counsel not jump up and point out that the delay (at least after Park Hall) was due to (a) the DEFENCE barrister being unavailable, and (2) that Friday's hearing was grossly delayed by the Defence barrister being tied-up on another case?</i></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i>The way your legal team is handling this Reeves might get a bender despite his own Barrister opining that a custodial sentence is inevitable. (which would be extraordinary). Given the amount of taxpayers' money going up in smoke on this debacle and assuming that you still intend to press for a custodial sentence you need to get a grip - or ensure that someone else does."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I would not normally write in this manner had not Mrs Patel (rudely) told ME to produce evidence. The last paragraph was certainly prescient!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There were a few bon mots from Judge Ward during this debacle. In the email I mention how Reeves claimed to have done a lot to "do up" the flat for him and his visiting children before, er, subletting it! There was silence from Mrs Patel but the Judge commented that it was surprising he chose to move out of such palatial surroundings!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The position with Holdens is opaque. The Brewery stated that Reeves left of his own accord and NOT under a cloud. However, two individuals alleged to The Skidder that Reeves had been buying booze from a third party rather than from the Brewery, in league with a named local person. Holdens, so it is said, became aware of this and intervened. This allegation was specifically put to Holdens but they declined to comment. They also declined to say (a) whether their payments were going directly to Reeves or to his Company, and (b) whether Reeves was also paid rent on The Wheatsheaf flat when he sublet that to a named person (known to Holdens).</span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">****************************************************************************</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Skidder has spent many hours tracking back and forth to Wolvo and incurring travel expenses on this story. Small donations welcome via the donations button on the right. If you are reading this on a mobile you need to click through to the website version to find the donations button. Thank you!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">****************************************************************************</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reeves's barrister - having called for a custodial sentence - did not cover himself with glory in this matter, and his flukey result was down to the failures of Team Sandwell rather than his own golden oratory. Despite being pulled up by the Judge on 5th January he ploughed a similar furrow last Thursday. Taking a cut onion to his eyes he tried to imply that the subletting had almost been some sort of act of charity and that whilst residents of Sadders on the housing waiting list had indeed been deprived of the property, Reeves had supplied a flat to a woman in need. This was greeted in silence from Ms Patel but the Judge himself jokingly commented that it was such a pity then that Reeves had sought to collect rent from this poor deserving female!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In any event, the Judge was never going to fall for this baloney and he had already heard that it was alleged (and unchallenged in Court) that Reeves had tried to get access to the woman's flat with a spare key in the early hours of one morning. The Judge described this conduct by Reeves as "nasty". Further, when she moved out, Reeves sub-let the property again to a male (possibly a relative). Reeves's Counsel had posited that the fraud was "unsophisticated" but the Judge disagreed saying that the claiming of the single person discount, the plan to continue to let the property after right to buy, the attempt to conceal the payments as "car" payments, and the further subletting when Reeves was then living with his lover in Tivi showed that this was a not "unsophisticated" and constituted fraud over a prolonged period of time backed my multiple false representations to Sandwell Council.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In sentencing the Judge specifically criticised the Defence's plea in mitigation saying that the points against the imposition of an immediate custodial sentence had almost been "thrown away" by an attempt to minimise issues and to portray Reeves as some sort of "victim". He said directly to Reeves in the dock, "<u>You</u> are NOT the victim".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bent Labour Sandwell had tried to clear up the issue of the Shireland reference (as I had suggested) so that the Judge's original assumption that it was purely a personal reference from a colleague was correct, and it did not constitute a reference from the employer. The employer declined to make further comment to the Court.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But Mrs Patel brought down the wrath of the Judge upon her and blew-up Sandwell's attempts to get Reeves banged-up, and one part of this is truly shocking - although par for the course with this corrupt outfit. Having insisted the matter be belatedly removed from Park Hall because a custodial sentence was required Mrs Patel bizarrely submitted at one point that the Judge might wish to consider a suspended sentence! I have no idea where this volte face came from but Judge Ward rounded on her with both barrels saying that her job as prosecutor was to advise him of the sentencing guidelines on the facts and NOT to tell him the penalty he should decide. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But this was as nothing compared to his rage at the history of Reeves's employment and supposed knowledge of housing issues. Somewhat surprisingly St Paul has no previous convictions and his barrister portrayed him as "a man of good character" (ROFLMAO!) As above, Sandwell claimed that Reeves had special knowledge of the way to play the housing system. This is almost certainly true, but team Sandwell could not prove it to a legal standard. Sandwell's legal team fell back to their standard default position when they have no proof - smear the opposition. Of course, I have been on the receiving end of this tactic in the Magistrates' Court, the High Court in London, and a number of Information Tribunal cases. But, as we shall see, the conduct was particularly egregious here.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I refer to the email I sent to Mr Jones above and to one of the red sections. Again I had hit the bullseye. Team Sandwell produced a statement from a Mr Anthony O'Donahue (or similar name) who was described as a Senior Housing Officer at the bent Council. I have to assume that this had been disclosed to Reeves's legal team but, amazingly, they made no apparent objection to the statement being produced. It was handed up to the Judge who suddenly went ballistic. The statement claimed that Reeves had been suspended on the grounds of gross misconduct. As I said in this blog many moons ago - this is true. But bent Sandwell put that smear in and left it there without more - as I predicted they might in my email to Jones above. I was told at the time, rightly or wrongly, that Reeves received a £75,000 pay-off subject to a confidentiality agreement to keep his gob shut. It transpired in Court that Reeves started an Industrial Tribunal action - no doubt with the help of his union pals - and this was settled on terms. The Judge quite rightly asked what the terms were and Mrs Patel - on the instructions of Sandwell Council - made the stunning comment that there was "no-one" in Sandwell Council who could say what actually happened in the case. This is, quite simply, a lie by Jones's team to the Crown Court (quite a start for the new bod)! Patel began to unravel under fire and muttered that the real reason for non-disclosure was "confidentiality" but this cuts no ice in a criminal trial. There was no help for her from the two SMBC employees. Did Jones conceal the damning information for fallacious secrecy reasons and, if so, why lie to a Crown Court? In any event - while the Commissioners are still there they must investigate this very serious issue forthwith AND ensure appropriate action is taken against those responsible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mrs Patel had bullsh*tted about Reeves hobnobbing with managers and having direct contact with Britton (which he had) with a sort of inference that he had somehow become a housing specialist by osmosis. This won't do in a Crown Court! The Judge stated that she - and obviously Sandwell legal - had behaved unconscionably. They had put the smear in without saying what happened thereafter. They had imputed gross dishonesty (which was actually true) which was important in his consideration of antecedents, but had left that simply hanging in the air. [The reason - as above - is that there was a bent deal with Reeves which Jones and the legal team wished to conceal from the Judge.] Judge Ward was stunned and said angrily to Mrs Patel: "What were you doing submitting it [the statement] to me", and, "I am shocked that you have done this".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It was downhill all the way for Team Sadders after this. It was also pointed out that they had lazily produced national figures of council housing need rather than local data. Meanwhile the Defence came out with all the usual sob stories - Reeves was drinking 6 to 8 pints a day plus whisky (whilst apparently still easily able to do his onerous day job via Shireland Group whilst running a pub) and had been to an alcoholism charity for help. He had depression and had seen his GP. He had been to A&E after an alleged suicide attempt (no documentation provided on this nor requested by Team Sandwell). Laughably the "stress" he had been under due to the delay in sentencing was prayed in aid despite the fact that one hearing was abandoned entirely by reason of the unavailability of the DEFENCE COUNSEL and the other grossly delayed for the same reason so that it went part-heard. Again, Mrs Patel made no comment despite the hours she had spent hanging around on the taxpayers' meter waiting for this case to finally come on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Skidderati have always been told that Reeves has unnaturally clear nostrils but, alas, the Court was told that he had sleep apnea and would need a machine to help him sleep in prison.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reeves - as above described by Judge Ward as "a throroughly devious and dishonest man" was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years on the main block of charges and for six months suspended for two years on the remaining offence to run concurrently. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He was ordered to repay £2,641.38 in respect of the profit he made on the subletting and £2,753.36 prosecution costs (see below).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He was ordered to attend probation, an alcohol rehabilitation programme and to do 180 hours "community service".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If Reeves did receive £75k from us taxpayers despite his conduct at Sandwell what became of the money noting that he was doing two jobs - working for Shireland Group and running a pub plus sub-letting the Council flat (and, possibly, the one at The Wheatsheaf too)? Of course, he has been living a very "exotic" lifestyle - if that is possible in Sadders - enjoying many "pleasures". In any event he signed-up to a form of "junior" bankruptcy - an Insolvency Voluntary Agreement (IVA) - as he couldn't pay his debts, and so how he will pay back these financial orders is a moot point. As is the question whether bent Sandwell will have to find him, er, council housing now that he won't be residing in a cell for a while?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, Sandwell even managed to cock-up their costs claim. At the end of the hearing Mrs Patel referred the Judge to a costs schedule submitted and, as above, he ordered £2,753.36 to be paid which, in itself, seems incredibly cheap given the hours <u>two</u> Sandwell staff AND a barrister were hanging around at multiple hearings (I know because I was there!) Having made his Order Team Sandwell then said the figure in the schedule was out of date and attempted to hand-up a revised schedule which they had, er, forgotten to file and serve. I didn't catch the amount but it was in excess of £3k. The Judge was so fed-up with SMBC by then he was having none of it, and refused to amend the Order. And so the incompetence of the legal team continued right to the very end of the hearing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incredibly, the social report supplied to the Court suggested that there was minimal risk of Reeves committing further criminal offences which seems a stretch noting his actual character and antecedents. But at least if he strays from the righteous path in the next two years he might be needing his prison "welcome pack" after all!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStOve0LALQfK88uFaD7K0uo-3-HwkGQKrUOZc3kl_Nim7bPYUzHDAP8oB2xGE6uo0DwGbECzQvPQpAj4iNiXwg-kdgTa9fP6lKBPtIRXebr-6B21cDVFB_oedGd-QGQXSd-2oGPC-gT4l2OC3zfXTe6ECcxLKsvJnXXfnGg4DvfR7ijVX6VJYC54Jpot4/s1073/IMG_20240129_134626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1073" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStOve0LALQfK88uFaD7K0uo-3-HwkGQKrUOZc3kl_Nim7bPYUzHDAP8oB2xGE6uo0DwGbECzQvPQpAj4iNiXwg-kdgTa9fP6lKBPtIRXebr-6B21cDVFB_oedGd-QGQXSd-2oGPC-gT4l2OC3zfXTe6ECcxLKsvJnXXfnGg4DvfR7ijVX6VJYC54Jpot4/w640-h548/IMG_20240129_134626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</span></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-69760251046233916402024-01-13T09:54:00.000-08:002024-01-13T09:54:32.177-08:00Awards ceremony tickets £120 - food worth £8 says Sandwell Council<div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lal's p*ss-up (No. 1) latest</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a recent post (link below*) I wrote how new, highly-paid, Chief Executive at bent Labour Sandwell Council, Shokat lal, wanted to "cut the big" straight away and duly authorised the expenditure of £4,000 of OUR money so that he could don his tux and live the high life (or what passes for it in Wolvo) at a fake awards ceremony.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be writing further on this subject soon as there are even more disturbing issues arising - including Lal authorising attendance at a second, almost-equally expensive, event. And you might expect that, given the circumstances of his appointment, Lal would wish to support transparency in the bent Council's dealings, but he is actively blocking the identification of the freeloaders who us taxpayers paid to attend the two events.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But for leaving the Council voluntarily, former Labour Cllr Pam Hughes would be facing a standards investigation into her dodgy dealings (and those of her domineering husband, Cllr Peter "Zorro" Hughes) with property developer Satnam Sahota including her failure - twice - to declare an interest when SHE (and others) granted planning permission for 5 bungalows in Wednesbury - one of which the pair now live in! (Skidders passim & see legal notice below). Notwithstanding Pam Hughes's gross misconduct in public office, Shokat Lal thinks she is a fit and proper person to attend - seemingly - BOTH of these plush functions and represent the bent Council at OUR expense. Mrs Hughes definitely attended the second do. This is incredible and wholly unacceptable.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Further, in the original FOIA, and a follow-up, Shokat Lal has very deliberately concealed the identity of "Person 4" who attended the Nachural event. If that turns out to be Pam Hughes then that is a very serious matter indeed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">(Public request - if you can name anyone who attended the Nachural Events (fake) awards do at Wolvo Racecourse on 7th July, 2023 and/or the Black Country Chamber Awards do on 9th November, 2023 please contact The Skidder.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I have explained in earlier blogs (and see the legal notice below) the way these business "awards" events make their money from gullible fools. The tickets at the Nachural Events do in the summer (run by a friend of Cllr Pam Randhawa and other Labour figures, Ninder Johal) were at least £100 per head. They are £120 per head for the summer 2024 charade. Thus even if Lal thought spending money at such farcical functions was an appropriate use of taxpayers' money he could have authorised the purchase of a table of 10 at between £1,000 and £1,200. As it is he encouraged "sponsorship" of a meaningless category instead at a cost of £4,000 (ex Vat) - £400 per head! Hold those figures for a moment folks.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The interesting thing here is that although there is lots of hoopla at these events an employee at bent Sandwell has calculated the worth of the actual food and booze offering. She (for it is believed to be the person named in a previous post) states that the food was "Indian Restaurant" fare worth just "£7/8" per person. Lal & companions "only" had 4 bottles of wine worth an estimated £18 each. She values the meal and wine at between "150 - £200" for a table of ten which would normally cost between £1,000 and £1,200 (but Lal paid £4,000 ex-vat for, with our money. Kerching!) Either way that's one hell of a f'ing mark-up and no wonder these fake events proliferate. Now Hughes, Randhawa and Lal are asking YOU what cuts YOU want the bent Labour Council to make to save money. They are shafting you Sandwell - wake up FFS!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Port'n'Ale</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On the subject of food, many thanks for the excellent hospitality at Port'n'Ale (Horseley Heath, Tipton) for brightening up a very dismal day in the blighted Borough last week. I hope to revisit ere long!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI9XQBuwc3nW0y_OzrRj0aJu56i7J1SycfT1hXJvgOaL851Qxbve2_LRhMQY2x39qqzx53YoLiX6YqNvMbZXMZOXlLIoal4iVvyTi5i53FamQflKg5iLMLl3Oqfduw09RzQc8sQx_9luJIcXVDFiKepYmgzFMZxb717xSI9ztoEpEPZzcbLTJ2a2zIHGP/s3072/PXL_20240110_132722648.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="3072" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI9XQBuwc3nW0y_OzrRj0aJu56i7J1SycfT1hXJvgOaL851Qxbve2_LRhMQY2x39qqzx53YoLiX6YqNvMbZXMZOXlLIoal4iVvyTi5i53FamQflKg5iLMLl3Oqfduw09RzQc8sQx_9luJIcXVDFiKepYmgzFMZxb717xSI9ztoEpEPZzcbLTJ2a2zIHGP/w640-h526/PXL_20240110_132722648.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A recent visit to Sadders</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I have not visited Great Bridge for some considerable time and was shocked last week to see what an absolute sh*thole it is after nearly 50 years of Labour dictatorship in Sandwell. A place on its knees, dirty and derelict, with unfortunate homeless folk squatting under the front of a defunct Wilko. It beats me how people can simply accept living in a place like this, but they must hate themselves and their families to keep on accepting it. Keep voting Labour folks for much more of the same!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DyW9fLIO7wrPjNVm-Fu9K_ysJb4aZ8Ey-HpnCY9Pfk5Qx_oQtmEtj8Mp6qY9v6Q2fhllMxucYjwqiRU00uXI7mfABUXZkZ_dS5Mg4f0vl9u52mw0xEqdKKkKHrMAFS7jxQQhtsyb0PlSeHovKS9TjvSy3YMA_WHilI869-YKov3oqTyAqgDakplSWL04/s1180/IMG_20240113_104929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DyW9fLIO7wrPjNVm-Fu9K_ysJb4aZ8Ey-HpnCY9Pfk5Qx_oQtmEtj8Mp6qY9v6Q2fhllMxucYjwqiRU00uXI7mfABUXZkZ_dS5Mg4f0vl9u52mw0xEqdKKkKHrMAFS7jxQQhtsyb0PlSeHovKS9TjvSy3YMA_WHilI869-YKov3oqTyAqgDakplSWL04/w586-h640/IMG_20240113_104929.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Labour pays for some though ...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">One very lucky contractor for bent Labour Sandwell Council struck gold with a multi million pound contract from the comrades in highly controversial circumstances, and has just treated himself to yet another new motor. Suck it up losers!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6nhd4osBTPgKmyvotmuZ5LnIvImwyzzMZ353jD9-1utq98iWhP0IjVco2RCFuYLC5lPdDdoDhPU46Vfx7u6tvB1Kv2wzkZCsZLS3A7WwSurY4ewSsQrkjZ_jZMQkEAspO2-iSfHT2JF1HYX0iqC_mSthk0cfLEdFZbxiVjiMpkgZc6elsPsFDl7KejbI/s1080/IMG_20240113_105427%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1080" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6nhd4osBTPgKmyvotmuZ5LnIvImwyzzMZ353jD9-1utq98iWhP0IjVco2RCFuYLC5lPdDdoDhPU46Vfx7u6tvB1Kv2wzkZCsZLS3A7WwSurY4ewSsQrkjZ_jZMQkEAspO2-iSfHT2JF1HYX0iqC_mSthk0cfLEdFZbxiVjiMpkgZc6elsPsFDl7KejbI/w640-h542/IMG_20240113_105427%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Skidder - a formal apology</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Turning to the big news of the week in Sadders I need to offer readers a formal apology. I had hitherto described Tory Councillors Archer Williams and Dave Wilkes as good blokes. This week both left the Conservative Party, but rather than continue as Independent Councillors the traitors have embraced corruption and joined bent Sandwell Labour. I apologise for misleading you and now recognise that this pair are unprincipled scum who have deceived everyone with their supposed anti-corruption posturing, and have f*cked the folk of Princes End who voted for them up the derriere. Sorry for getting this so wrong.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD96OAP9Spr3u1spxOjC5meyZU0mHQWj-99ywKkp5RN8PpfZW7rqzKmOFUyccHc_jTQNwF3zI_w-V3drrGEsdbFQPJWjG0vdi6cd_S1JNDGFy1tyHhplgrMIUJCl-U5tH0ox3EqjTva3hOj-uate-GP4fA92Nv8ywcmo-DHC5NrZsIEJhsC5kH3tpIryT/s1411/IMG_20240113_122021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD96OAP9Spr3u1spxOjC5meyZU0mHQWj-99ywKkp5RN8PpfZW7rqzKmOFUyccHc_jTQNwF3zI_w-V3drrGEsdbFQPJWjG0vdi6cd_S1JNDGFy1tyHhplgrMIUJCl-U5tH0ox3EqjTva3hOj-uate-GP4fA92Nv8ywcmo-DHC5NrZsIEJhsC5kH3tpIryT/w244-h640/IMG_20240113_122021.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1PQQviTPEnU9ccCd70iVFXQVe2SsXx30Rh2aHLiVTfN_KbAIgl1zJ0pP67wkoYlWaOP-OHVeQ06BbmYNuJ_2AaavHGDk5MTbWLVENtLCeXBIdPnT1aDpZDGE8rEVz0xbdGeBFrrZOfyjAz9X2J51TWVQKJpProzlP8YPpBEEZKehGSeN6Hpq5HQ5odQs/s1410/IMG_20240113_122352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1PQQviTPEnU9ccCd70iVFXQVe2SsXx30Rh2aHLiVTfN_KbAIgl1zJ0pP67wkoYlWaOP-OHVeQ06BbmYNuJ_2AaavHGDk5MTbWLVENtLCeXBIdPnT1aDpZDGE8rEVz0xbdGeBFrrZOfyjAz9X2J51TWVQKJpProzlP8YPpBEEZKehGSeN6Hpq5HQ5odQs/w490-h640/IMG_20240113_122352.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">And the Tory meltdown continues ...</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In my recent post, "The Sandwell Tory Sh*tshow" (link below**) I foretold some of the shenanigans of this past week. The Tories are in disarray with Nicola Richards MP running away, Shaun Bailey MP under attack - even from pro-Tory media outlets, two Councillors defecting (see above), Tory Council Group "Leader", Dave "make the NHS white" Fisher allegedly suspended - at least at local level, two other Councillors suspended and sitting as Independents, and disaffection rife in the small remaining rump. As we saw in my post, this shower has been trying to screw us taxpayers for funding so that they can have a formal "shadow cabinet" at the bent Council. I understand they have even purchased a venue to hold their meetings:</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX2JddJVKD2ioaWZdrC6ggXge1IupUSTvm74vhtkTzqRgaMyh9s8WQVAHduUMN-pOmUfuBVt6gYphMP7ZTJcuRpJUp-L3jrZtvF-RQ61yqVELMQjjEUdRXlgQ39Tm1HAwpYksHrPLE87vb2JwMwRawjLDmhpexAG_YrRRVX7UHLs36W_nR8t6q2NH45Eo/s630/phonebox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="346" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX2JddJVKD2ioaWZdrC6ggXge1IupUSTvm74vhtkTzqRgaMyh9s8WQVAHduUMN-pOmUfuBVt6gYphMP7ZTJcuRpJUp-L3jrZtvF-RQ61yqVELMQjjEUdRXlgQ39Tm1HAwpYksHrPLE87vb2JwMwRawjLDmhpexAG_YrRRVX7UHLs36W_nR8t6q2NH45Eo/w352-h640/phonebox.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Recognition for bent Labour!</b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It is a matter of great pride that I am a previous group winner of a Private Eye "Rotten Boroughs" Award (no expenditure required). Now, in the 2023 Awards announced in the current issue (subscription link below***), Sandwell Council is a runner-up in the "Greenstanding" category. We know that bent labour detest private businesses and have done their best over nearly 50 years of control to destroy retailing across the Borough, They do massive environmental damage whilst lying that they are "green". Last year, Labour Leader [sic] & Liar Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael and her moronic comrades decided to shaft the shopkeepers of Sandwell for a whole month by telling people NOT to, er, buy new stuff at local shops throughout January. At least their incompetent idiocy has gone "national" (again)!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84eyhmqVAAlmv-1ef628wv7YHvIHqG8CD-vd_Xtt9sHADU-pDzjm6V5IVq8fETujbJh2rPpljxoTujnbUsWOTvxSYLsWICOTI1fDyfmboNEtU4fXZKYy2RWCZx928d08LNIHPKYTwl53Wn3bsHrk-uMcE9AaRpUtTtbv2sHyLNtd3zqA6NMjKFf2i2ZTr/s2024/PXL_20240112_192247863.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2024" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84eyhmqVAAlmv-1ef628wv7YHvIHqG8CD-vd_Xtt9sHADU-pDzjm6V5IVq8fETujbJh2rPpljxoTujnbUsWOTvxSYLsWICOTI1fDyfmboNEtU4fXZKYy2RWCZx928d08LNIHPKYTwl53Wn3bsHrk-uMcE9AaRpUtTtbv2sHyLNtd3zqA6NMjKFf2i2ZTr/w640-h284/PXL_20240112_192247863.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">From the Urban Dictionary re GREEN: "a derogatory term that means you're dumb as f*ck"!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Rowley Village restaurant</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This outfit on Portway Road has been spewing out some really vile antisemitic stuff on social media including the truly bizarre allegation that a "crooked Jewish Zionist criminal" runs. er, Germany! We know that Sandwell Police spend much of their time pandering to religious groups but, statistically, there are very few Jewish folk in Sadders, and so probably not enough victims for the cops to bother about. Many people referred the hate speech to WM Police but there has been total silence on any action taken. Mind you, I can think of a few Sandwell Labour Councillors who are probably booking tables at this detestable cesspit even as I write.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>* <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/10/lal-and-bent-labours-4000-pss-up-wmp.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/10/lal-and-bent-labours-4000-pss-up-wmp.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>** <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-sandwell-tory-shtshow.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-sandwell-tory-shtshow.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>*** <a href="https://checkout.private-eye.co.uk/SingleItem?Item=PEY&Prom=PEYE1613">https://checkout.private-eye.co.uk/SingleItem?Item=PEY&Prom=PEYE1613</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b></div><div><b>use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></div></div><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-68513205227850711752024-01-02T09:43:00.000-08:002024-01-02T09:43:57.504-08:00Sandwell 2024 - Unhappy New Year!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">2024 will be another dire year for Sandwell. Whilst the Commissioners have been worse than useless they have shown lying Labour leader [sic] Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael how to use the large Labour majority to force through whatever it pleases with minimal, or no, scrutiny. The process of institutionalising corruption under Squealing Eling has been continued by Dim Kez, and corruption remains endemic in the rotten Borough.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As we saw in my recent post - "The Sandwell Tory Sh*tshow" [link below*] the local Conservative MP's and Councillors have failed to hold Labour to account in any meaningful way. There is no sign of them changing their ways whatsoever, and there is simply no point in voting for them in the May local elections and/or the forthcoming General Election.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Sandwell Skidder Scum Counter [link below for 2023 iteration**] tells outsiders all they need to know about the people of Sadders. Weak, indifferent, thick, unhealthy folk who deserve everything they - don't - get. Most residents have done nothing as Labour has brought the Borough to its knees over 49 years (yes, that's FORTY-NINE years) of sordid dictatorship. Unfortunately there is no realistic possibility of any change in 2024 and things will get worse for local morons as Labour tightens its grip. The Tories were the only Party who could possibly fight for change but, as above, they have been as limp as a vicar's handshake. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The only possible political future is the election of some strong independent candidates but they face an insurmountable challenge from the wealth and organisation of the corrupt local Labour machine. Richard Jeffcoat has done so well in Tipton Green but - as this blog has shown - bent Labour mobilises mass voting at some polling stations and via the postal vote to always ensure victory. Clive Heywood is a good bloke but has hitched his star to the absurd local Lib Dems under their pro-Labour "Fuhrer", Mark Smith. Community activist, Darryl Magher, works so hard to expose what is really going on in sh*thole Sandwell, but simply doesn't have the resources to mount a serious challenge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Labour will continue to destroy open space in Sandwell whilst lying that they are "green". They will continue to squeeze residents for every penny whilst blowing millions on vanity projects. A new Labour Government in 2024 will shower local authorities with taxpayers' cash (as Blair and Brown did) which will not be used to reduce taxation, green bin charges, housing rents, Council tax, parking and other charges, but will be frittered away instead on "world-class" buildings, "putting Sandwell on the map" (which Labour haven't managed to do for 49 years except as an exemplar of fraud, cronyism and incompetence), unused cycle lanes and other woke projects of no value whatsoever to the majority of local residents. Meanwhile jobs and contracts will be doled out to cronies in the Council, so-called "charities" and various unaccountable "organisations".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sandwell folk will be shafted in 2024 like never before - and it serves them right. Unhappy New Year to you all.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Runaway Richards</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Readers will know that in an appalling act of cowardice the Tory MP for West Brom East, Nicola Richards, has put two fingers up to Sandwell and is desperately trying to find a safe Conservative seat elsewhere (if such a thing even exists now).</span> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Richards is a massive rimmer of Birmingham bulls*tter, Andy Street, the Tory <strike>Mare</strike> Mayor of the West Midlands. After a year of almost no real achievement of anything in Sadders, her annual round-up "newsletter" included no less than three puffs for her diminutive hero including a photo. She applauded the plan for the Mayor to take on the role of Police and Crime Commissioner - a major Street project. Although the former soft-furnishing salesman has f*ck all connection with the Baggies she credited him with trying to engineer a takeover of WBA (which has yet to happen). The yellow MP claims credit for plans to increase HIV testing in Sadders in 2024 yet bizarrely trumpets this under a picture of her with Street outside the, er, QE Hospital in Birmingham! So there we have it - in an extremely thin annual report no less than 3 references to King Andy - whom she is clearly hoping will use his influence to get her into a safe (?) seat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There are rumours that all is not going well in her possible move and lets hope she is left high and dry long before election day. It seems too much to ask that this lame duck will finally quack in the meantime, and actually do something useful for her equally craven constituents.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Tories even f*cked-up the meeting to replace the Runaway. An authoritative X/Twitter account explains that two candidates appeared to be in the running, but following disputes about the right of some attendees to vote the meeting was declared to be inquorate and was postponed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some in Sandwell Tories are allegedly supporting a person who claims to live and work in, er Milton Keynes (77.8 miles from Central West Brom), Shazna Muzammil, who is also a Councillor on MK's Council. She tried - and failed - to get a parliamentary seat local to her, and her lengthy website "cv" makes no mention of any connection with The Black Country whatsoever. It might be hideous but MK is a youthful, thriving, city and one has to ask why someone in such a get-up-and-go place would want to represent a backward midden like WBE? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqY6gYzIGplZN2D_gzFZkBmRm57QOhJxGaWfqNlfstZ0CMI2Ztg1WQ0YN-_VdDsd8S-1lr0h4aL9bQtk7AE0fyJw42jT3vIMKMyocQ5qq5lcV5tvtJX4fje6yJd2h7A4mHITB2I_rLWexGy42uurTB1STyiXFBiunCXkbE1T20_Qv8JES1mZvOFDoeJDq/s1311/Screenshot_20240102-091258~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqY6gYzIGplZN2D_gzFZkBmRm57QOhJxGaWfqNlfstZ0CMI2Ztg1WQ0YN-_VdDsd8S-1lr0h4aL9bQtk7AE0fyJw42jT3vIMKMyocQ5qq5lcV5tvtJX4fje6yJd2h7A4mHITB2I_rLWexGy42uurTB1STyiXFBiunCXkbE1T20_Qv8JES1mZvOFDoeJDq/w492-h640/Screenshot_20240102-091258~2.png" width="492" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The other rumoured candidate is a complete non-entity save that he is another major rimmer of Mr "King" Andy Street!!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What the hell is going on here? A Tory chicken tries to fly the coup and there is no Black Country Tory able or willing to actually try to fight a Conservative seat? </span></p><p><b>The Chinese are coming ...</b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Many years ago, Ai Lik Bum - aka wifebeating thug and former Sandwell Labour "leader", Darren Cooper - kowtowed to a delegation of Chinese businessmen and claimed that his grovelling act of obeisance would lead to untold riches arriving in Sadders from the Orient. Alas, apart from the disastrous purchase of WBA by Lai Guochan, the promised pot of gold at the end of the rainbow proved to be another Labour crock of sh*t.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5raSzpPs7lutKIp-n_1af3j85u45K8tXrBaXc5t0M-PlVh1vHEoLFfdZWzAuvAHLTn-SWj5aTi4S5BThbkmKr0NFRNK9-Zy-e_2oHXphb_luPLqhD_ap8QSEaZHjgSsdPxjn0WM9YDpPOr8f__bFd0uh_j0Of0d4zi2XwVRAIiTf4UvLSprPgtCVAeMUu/s944/Screenshot_20240102-141016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="944" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5raSzpPs7lutKIp-n_1af3j85u45K8tXrBaXc5t0M-PlVh1vHEoLFfdZWzAuvAHLTn-SWj5aTi4S5BThbkmKr0NFRNK9-Zy-e_2oHXphb_luPLqhD_ap8QSEaZHjgSsdPxjn0WM9YDpPOr8f__bFd0uh_j0Of0d4zi2XwVRAIiTf4UvLSprPgtCVAeMUu/w640-h596/Screenshot_20240102-141016.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At present the Western world is trying to reduce its ties to China. There are major concerns relating to the Communist Government's human rights record e.g., in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. There are fears relating to the purported theft of Western technology and the operation of Chinese spy networks, resulting in the ban of Huawei equipment in UK 5G systems. Right and left are ganging together in an unholy alliance to destroy free trade and to enter into a disastrous era of protectionism. And so this is just the moment for Dim Kez to court a party of Chinese business folk! Here she forces colleagues and staff into a group photo (and note especially that Piper has put himself in prime position to drop to his knees and lick the arse of his Communist comrade!)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHzjs6yDumSs7m74FoZR_0LCfZvgENgLZQ7OV6YCt0TLhyphenhyphenriaLMWl9pEhsaqBuhBYkKSDGt4epFpG_dmrrvqpuSaYS0QQbjPF3FY_ZJL4zo_jP2NrOdFGwQyHLbcWvrlqStE_p1OQ5vXP4u8nZkoT8zcnGl_U8ws0Tt0vIGEIg5tmwiVM9ETU6I_vP7k4/s1007/Screenshot_20231027-162856.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="1007" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHzjs6yDumSs7m74FoZR_0LCfZvgENgLZQ7OV6YCt0TLhyphenhyphenriaLMWl9pEhsaqBuhBYkKSDGt4epFpG_dmrrvqpuSaYS0QQbjPF3FY_ZJL4zo_jP2NrOdFGwQyHLbcWvrlqStE_p1OQ5vXP4u8nZkoT8zcnGl_U8ws0Tt0vIGEIg5tmwiVM9ETU6I_vP7k4/w640-h310/Screenshot_20231027-162856.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The first results of this new collab (lol) arises, however, from desperation. Bent Labour have p*ssed millions of taxpayers' money on probably the most expensive leisure centre in the UK, the Sandwell Aquatic Centre (aka the Sac or Scrotum). Not only was The Scrotum ruinously expensive but it is also astonishingly expensive to operate (as those in the know always forecast - Skidders passim). So desperate are "green" Labour and their proxy, Sandwell Leisure Trust, to raise money at the white elephant that they have taken to marketing Chinese-owned MG cars outside! I am indebted to all-round Sandwell good guy, historian, expert tour guide and flaneur, Ian Jelf, for the following photo. Ian also pointed out the irony of anti-car Labour turning a place dedicated to fitness into a car showroom. More diesel, vicar?</span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUmmRAlNOqVIqUK7WjYYfozQ0pxODYdAfcMl_iu8jxxT-zgmu3Ec9hUiS7ZxcCYzESQ4uQLznCSE1L76W6ONWEZswxRP6b_EVBLTry5pUGUy0PZQoWCIYqE_SArbkbjPw-noV9BXo08V6KiYRP7psXhfQC0LnNZvSFeNOhvZEYhyphenhyphenITtEdHP9v5gO5ICnp/s1008/Screenshot_20231208-155648~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1008" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUmmRAlNOqVIqUK7WjYYfozQ0pxODYdAfcMl_iu8jxxT-zgmu3Ec9hUiS7ZxcCYzESQ4uQLznCSE1L76W6ONWEZswxRP6b_EVBLTry5pUGUy0PZQoWCIYqE_SArbkbjPw-noV9BXo08V6KiYRP7psXhfQC0LnNZvSFeNOhvZEYhyphenhyphenITtEdHP9v5gO5ICnp/w640-h338/Screenshot_20231208-155648~2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Labour's cuts are coming too ...</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It's budget season at bent Labour Sandwell and a consultation exercise has just finished with the corrupt bunch asking YOU which cuts they should make following their multi-million pound losses on Providence Place, the Commonwealth [sic] Games etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, there was another major cock-up when the Tories rushed through a "shadow budget" a while back without proper consideration, and resulting in universal derision. We cannot expect Tory councillors to participate much in the budget discussions if they even bother to turn-up at all (given their history of absenteeism from Council meetings). Whilst it is too late for the formal consultation, here are a few thoughts from The Skidder and community activist, Darryl Magher. Please feel free to add or amend as you see fit and to make representations to your local Councillors demanding that Labour rein-in their reckless expenditure of OUR money.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We advocate:</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">An immediate reduction in staffing levels by a <b><u>minimum</u></b> of 20% - if Birmingham City Council can do it, so can Sandwell;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">A reduction in the number of councillors from 72 (three per ward) to 48 (two per ward) as there is no need for so many Sandwell councillors, particularly noting that local taxpayers are now having to also pay for the West Midlands Combined Authority;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Sale of the Council's stake in Birmingham Airport - which will raise a substantial sum for the people of Sandwell and be a notionally "green" option;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Implementation a one-year moratorium of ALL expenditure which is not directly necessary for the provision of statutory services - ending all payments to cronies and on Labour vanity projects;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Cessation of all payments for a minimum of one year to charities and organisations save where they are directly engaged in the provision of statutory services and, in particular, cessation of payments to Labour crony fake charities such as SCVO, SCIPs etc.;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The introduction of proper charges to charities, and other organisations for use of Council offices, town halls and facilities (particularly where local charities hold substantial cash reserves);</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The cessation of payments to departing employees over and above their contractual/statutory entitlement and a ban on the use of confidential gagging agreements;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The immediate reduction on Facility Time payments to trade union officials to one full-time post equivalent per union together with charging all trade unions market rents for the occupancy of Council premises;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Outsourcing of the Council's press office via a competitive tendering process;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The immediate cancellation of the contract of Scottish-resident Imogen Walker (the supposed guru to Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael) and cessation of the use of contract and agency workers unless there is an absolutely overwhelming case for their use - e.g., in a genuine emergency;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">All land sales to be by way of public auction unless there is a compelling case against this in which case the alternative process to be approved by full Council and made public;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Cancellation of all further issues of the Sandwell Herald and streamlining of all Council communications to avoid unnecessary duplication;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">No implementation of active travel schemes unless there has been a full, open, consultation and unequivocal support from voters and businesses;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Outsourcing the "Human Resources" department of the Council via competitive tender (with the added bonus of ensuring actual compliance with employment law);</span></li><li>Ensuring no further public money is given to Labour crony business organisations such as the undemocratic and unaccountable "Sandwell Business Ambassadors [sic]". Ensure no public money is used to promote additional taxes on Sandwell Businesses via BID schemes and similar;</li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Cancel all staff away days for one year (the ban to be reviewed annually) and cancel all sponsorships and/or seat purchases at fake awards dinners and such like (e.g.. Shokat Lal's recent £4,000 p*ss up at a fake "awards" ceremony in Wolverhampton - Skidder passim);</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Reduce the size of the Council's car pool and restrict the use of same for only those journeys which are absoluelty necessary. Similarly reduce employee mileage claims to only those absolutely necessary;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Publish a monthly income report showing all income received by the Council differentiated to show sums received by the taxpayer and sums generated by Sandwell Labour's taxes and charges (e.g., bin levy, increased parking charges, increased housing rents etc.)</span></li></ol><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Headless Man ...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Many of you will know of the infamous Duchess of Argyll "Headless Man" photo. I was reminded of this by a recent Labour promotion for their pals in the gambling industry. Of course, this blog revealed that pathetic sarf London greaser and "MP" for Warley, John Spellar, has been speaking-up for the bookies whilst enjoying their lavish hospitality at A-list sporting events).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Labour have been taking the tarnished shilling from the sharks and dressing-up their greed as support for "safe gambling [sic]" and "gambling awareness". And the industry's [sic] trade body was quick to show one of Labour's famous lovers, Stephanie PeaCOCK, backing their propaganda - which is curious as she is, er, the Shadow Minister for Media, <b>Gambling </b>and Sport!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAF8D3K6sfDECfhwq9G_oVNnYzaz52I3fPm72hGRdI7MCpeytneIIPdt7Lp5jTX_nXecCbqjvZOfAQdv92y3mMGKsd3xui0R3wJBQWP-G7toLZ33jEB7VgeqX6ndtXFrVWuKGj0wpU4h_SbLnPYb5kbolg0iS1MJftkgq6Q6dk2xfPpZOltDdWuC26t6W/s1249/Screenshot_20231209-100511.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1007" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAF8D3K6sfDECfhwq9G_oVNnYzaz52I3fPm72hGRdI7MCpeytneIIPdt7Lp5jTX_nXecCbqjvZOfAQdv92y3mMGKsd3xui0R3wJBQWP-G7toLZ33jEB7VgeqX6ndtXFrVWuKGj0wpU4h_SbLnPYb5kbolg0iS1MJftkgq6Q6dk2xfPpZOltDdWuC26t6W/w516-h640/Screenshot_20231209-100511.png" width="516" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Bizarrely, the gambling trade body also put up an image of a headless man, being a Labour politician in love with, and actually working for, the gambling "industry":</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWNxO6bOab5aUcvP6fVQEI_IZ9J0A3rjBUPAtpdj1PiMPDNw_Ly-jKkTSmtbf-AakJM8yGphMuo6-aXo_gBHv4qh2NNA6E31SKtfbTGYrlQqY4EjtVRouK6QcyCU_h8FPDJAPDLTKFUOWehqyHoK8SU9WpXzUhqbYVJTgOPr1_SmFrb_Lf56uW_hEByZL/s720/Screenshot_20231209-100652~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="652" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWNxO6bOab5aUcvP6fVQEI_IZ9J0A3rjBUPAtpdj1PiMPDNw_Ly-jKkTSmtbf-AakJM8yGphMuo6-aXo_gBHv4qh2NNA6E31SKtfbTGYrlQqY4EjtVRouK6QcyCU_h8FPDJAPDLTKFUOWehqyHoK8SU9WpXzUhqbYVJTgOPr1_SmFrb_Lf56uW_hEByZL/w580-h640/Screenshot_20231209-100652~2.png" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Who is the mystery man? Step forward the man frequently identifed as having enjoyed many intimate moments with La PeaCOCK, the Rutting Walrus of Lurve and (former super-sized) shagger Tom "Twatson" Watson. Not only does he earn a good screw from the bookies but he is now f*cking us taxpayers too since Keir "Sir Woodenarse" Starmer got him into the House of Lords as yet another unelected legislator in our Motherf*cker of Parliaments (after he ran away as MP for West Brom East).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A curious sight in the benighted Borough ...</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was picking my way through the mounds of dog crap bejewelling the mean streets of Sadders recently when I came across this unusual sight - surely the only palms in bent Labour Sandwell which haven't been greased?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmUSEFfXU3SVeFdwfbSgpMRCNkkKFmfcOA3TMkbPeNIhGWNVfpB0zMzL5U7cPuGCU79k_NWDuActcUYCCYwk87gdRwPJLpx37rWkg6fliIb7peEJDqfX3y7RcX2Tj6AF74b6Guivnt95mI9d0olKD6YjxvR5lx6_5yBuuVtmmGenwMOtdSJgAiI5W9pyv/s3071/PXL_20231219_145658821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3071" data-original-width="2201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmUSEFfXU3SVeFdwfbSgpMRCNkkKFmfcOA3TMkbPeNIhGWNVfpB0zMzL5U7cPuGCU79k_NWDuActcUYCCYwk87gdRwPJLpx37rWkg6fliIb7peEJDqfX3y7RcX2Tj6AF74b6Guivnt95mI9d0olKD6YjxvR5lx6_5yBuuVtmmGenwMOtdSJgAiI5W9pyv/w458-h640/PXL_20231219_145658821.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b>In the press ...</b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Readers will know that the obnoxious Cllr Piper walked into a pub and shouted "Sieg Heil" whilst giving a nazi salute. At the time he was Chair of the Licensing Committee responsible, amongst other things, for the maintenance of good behaviour, in pubs!!! He was charged with a criminal offence which was mysteriously dropped the day before his first appearance, and he also avoided action at the Council by claiming that he was just being a total prick - as usual - and was not acting "in his capacity as a Councillor" at the time. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It seems they are a little more robust about such matters north of the Border (in Walkerland) - (article from the brilliant Private Eye Magazine):</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuhEIAfQbMDyFGcGda_0r2ssOKCC0QJT2EzFxZrR5-h4VpL9QPldrbgAT5sYgeoHioiAmv6eeKWFlo0CXG6dlsxQHmDmpy1EN2lkjRl4s_OVS7cvjviY9fYyAzSa5347JHxS_eylPCtClT3COt6ddWlyWLn2XiFRezwUGlTGimjVeL0-Ej1K03YhEZhsZ/s2269/PXL_20231026_143857462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2269" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuhEIAfQbMDyFGcGda_0r2ssOKCC0QJT2EzFxZrR5-h4VpL9QPldrbgAT5sYgeoHioiAmv6eeKWFlo0CXG6dlsxQHmDmpy1EN2lkjRl4s_OVS7cvjviY9fYyAzSa5347JHxS_eylPCtClT3COt6ddWlyWLn2XiFRezwUGlTGimjVeL0-Ej1K03YhEZhsZ/w640-h448/PXL_20231026_143857462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Blimey - The Skidder helps Sandwell Council</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Scenes you seldom see! Recently The Skidder (voluntarily) drove to Wolvo to collect an archive and deliver it bent Sandwell Council's archive service in sh*thole Smethwick. When a rat ran across the archive car park I was immediately struck, for some reason, with an image of Nicola Richards and a sinking ship.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">At least the staff there were very gracious!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f_G9O4B1VY8FsKgQYJnAaHfFCRVMQN8h5FTs3-OcRnTS3c1BHIvQrN6hv6LHjDwvQfaE9fap1D47rqqVVRIjbWbnclM5A9H-Dy5RWtHqemdseR7ukhnjzFXXm97zw6dV2sFVld41-CS2wxcV_Qw85xIJgipgbQc9OV9_Fy7l7ddsq364XM3I9pHU8ctr/s4080/PXL_20231110_113740135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f_G9O4B1VY8FsKgQYJnAaHfFCRVMQN8h5FTs3-OcRnTS3c1BHIvQrN6hv6LHjDwvQfaE9fap1D47rqqVVRIjbWbnclM5A9H-Dy5RWtHqemdseR7ukhnjzFXXm97zw6dV2sFVld41-CS2wxcV_Qw85xIJgipgbQc9OV9_Fy7l7ddsq364XM3I9pHU8ctr/w482-h640/PXL_20231110_113740135.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lover Mystery</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The secret lover of one of the vilest Labour sh*ts on the Council is actively campaigning in the scummiest ward in Sadders - Great Barr with Yew Tree. Why?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A rare bit of good news for Sadders ...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Many of you will know that the restaurant at Lightwoods House closed a long time ago and the management were tardy in finding a replacement. Happily, top Birmingham Jewellery Quarter bar, <b>1000 Trades</b>, has taken a lease and will be opening shortly. Bearwood is a cesspool, and so it's good that something trendy and smart is coming to town. Let's hope it's not a case of casting pearls before swine.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">(When the bar opens The Skidder will devise a short quiz and buy the winner a drink there!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep 'em peeled ...</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hopefully - hopefully - a big story this weekend. And whilst there have not been many posts recently there is plenty going on behind the scenes. So keep reading The Skidder, Kidder!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>* <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-sandwell-tory-shtshow.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-sandwell-tory-shtshow.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>** <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-all-new-2023-sandwell-scum-counter.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-all-new-2023-sandwell-scum-counter.html</a></div><p></p><div><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b></div><div><b>use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></div></div><div><br /></div></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-13822241116310292012023-12-18T07:16:00.000-08:002024-01-02T02:28:27.255-08:00Desperate Dorset Council employs Jan Britton!<p> Is it any wonder that councils across the land - of all political stripes - fail when they employ so many absolutely useless staff? In the private sector employers tend to look at the record of interviewees, and do "due diligence" on their CV's, but local government is a law unto itself and failure (or worse) in one council usually results in (a) a substantial pay-off from taxpayers' funds, and (b) another well-paid post in another council.</p><p>Jan Britton didn't get (a) when he was kicked out of bent Sandwell Council (which was a rare triumph for the taxpayer). But now, despite his appalling record, he will be starting a new job in January at Dorset Council. Perhaps it is time to remind the good folk of Dorset of some of the highlights [sic] of this pathetic grovellers time as Chief Executive at Sandwell where, with others, he bears very considerable responsibility for that Borough currently being in Government 'special measures' due to serious governance issues (which has cost us taxpayers in excess of £2m).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60dfALHHTC12MMKbqQtB6c950cxNKQDWVncwECGn3i6OGaZIG1M-KHg6Vn4mzOIs0DtNSw6u-u0EZlA3FOVjG06gJPk5jyA5if9H-vO216fXBvwvWR57hsgVjogtjcuc5BFLJ22LzNl_f_evfhOO_JkqKMxzP5HwvK7PnSz65CLg66YedxNbAGT7lekzA/s1288/B%20not%20got%20talent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="927" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60dfALHHTC12MMKbqQtB6c950cxNKQDWVncwECGn3i6OGaZIG1M-KHg6Vn4mzOIs0DtNSw6u-u0EZlA3FOVjG06gJPk5jyA5if9H-vO216fXBvwvWR57hsgVjogtjcuc5BFLJ22LzNl_f_evfhOO_JkqKMxzP5HwvK7PnSz65CLg66YedxNbAGT7lekzA/w288-h400/B%20not%20got%20talent.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>Sandwell is a deeply corrupt "one-party" Council and the (former) political leadership - particularly Cllrs Cooper and Eling - deliberately employed senior staff who were weak and prepared to do their bidding (with disastrous results). Britton was a senior manager but was mysteriously elevated to the position of Chief Executive when this was not warranted by his record nor his ability (if such he had). He had previously been head of parks, and when he got the top job some staff christened him, "the big xxx Parkie". This was not meant to be complimentary.</p><p>This blog had frequently publicised Britton's behaviour including the infamous email he sent to staff very early on in the top job. Here he trashed any hope of professionalism and independence in the paid service by telling employees that they must always do the bidding of their political masters. Incredibly he added that if the politicians got things wrong the employees were at fault for failing to advise them correctly!</p><p>Many councillors were given "access all areas" security passes which they used to roam the council offices demanding sight of confidential documentation, interfering with the work of staff and even molesting them. One female employee reported how the monstrous Cooper would frequently hug women (though not men) in the offices but "what started as a hug always ended with his hands sliding down over my arse".</p><p>Britton had his own female favourites, notably Tara Malik and Liz O'nions, and he would meet the latter (at least) off-site. It is very important to note that this is explicitly NOT an imputation of any sexual misconduct. The opposite is true as Britton told this blog himself and this was confirmed by the disgraced former Leader, Eling, and his - yes, disgraced - sidekick Cllr Marshall when they informed me in a notorious series of WhatsApp messages that Britton is "not Lothario material". Nevertheless he used his female chums to do his bidding. Malik was used to investigate the writer and O'nions appears to have acted as a conduit for information about staff to the hapless Britton. All this was off the record as was much else in the disastrous Britton-era. Although he had a Council-supplied iPhone he regularly used a Blackberry encrypted service to conceal what he was doing. Campaigners have found evidence of him using the Blackberry (as shown previously on this blog) when dealing with information concerning an investigation and subsequent Court case. And here is an email showing Eling giving this pathetic crawler orders - on a Sunday - to deal with communications in secret about an investigation of a Councillor (and see further below):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FFEXXZu01dZCUDwKGqBl8IUfv1KAQWHVg5Axks-T1Tgc17B2R061ysCDsskDGKUlEcQlZCfQmrHPAQ0B1OExA8LIfZ_z39tyX0nv71wCNZtXAJHh6f4BeiDGX5rOZRp79Jr3WcH4JnwpoN1khoSq4RLwKAOZ6mlO6k3GKeh5ldaA5cfhMyurEUHkT-1-/s1008/Screenshot_20231128-083739~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1008" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FFEXXZu01dZCUDwKGqBl8IUfv1KAQWHVg5Axks-T1Tgc17B2R061ysCDsskDGKUlEcQlZCfQmrHPAQ0B1OExA8LIfZ_z39tyX0nv71wCNZtXAJHh6f4BeiDGX5rOZRp79Jr3WcH4JnwpoN1khoSq4RLwKAOZ6mlO6k3GKeh5ldaA5cfhMyurEUHkT-1-/w640-h496/Screenshot_20231128-083739~2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>This toady would do anything he was told by Cooper and Eling. At one point West Midlands Police wanted to interview Cooper under caution in respect of his use of Twitter to harass a Birmingham woman, and they "invited" him to attend a police station in Central Birmingham. This was a private matter and nothing to do with the Council but - astonishingly - Britton arranged for a senior Solicitor, Maria Price, to represent Cooper at the interview and, even more incredibly, he organised the Council's chauffeur-driven limousine to take Cooper and Price into Birmingham, wait for them, and take them back to Sandwell! Here they are - in a very fuzzy photo - arriving at the nick:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSAS2K2WHPpSSFYh9pYSWrDJcHwsytBfv30eH45WNWPSennZInhK_kwjnxkagng4w_laomp0jmCwZ2tvkqk18oKwayLXFSqoaso6aSHfQFbah3u7ksE5rqR_l8IfoGdFOh-HoLsFSwohcthy14N_Nw4im5unnqHaSQOxQDwsUxqZLomknhPdNEgSFD6sx/s960/coopersteel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="960" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSAS2K2WHPpSSFYh9pYSWrDJcHwsytBfv30eH45WNWPSennZInhK_kwjnxkagng4w_laomp0jmCwZ2tvkqk18oKwayLXFSqoaso6aSHfQFbah3u7ksE5rqR_l8IfoGdFOh-HoLsFSwohcthy14N_Nw4im5unnqHaSQOxQDwsUxqZLomknhPdNEgSFD6sx/w640-h420/coopersteel.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Although this happened years ago it is still a live issue since there is an ongoing third party complaint. It is alleged that Britton and Price (who is now head of legal at Devon Council) conspired to keep Price's involvement secret by claiming she was 'on holiday' on the day in question but had agreed to forgo her break to help her beloved political leader. As if this rot isn't bad enough, the allegation is that "someone" ordered Price's holiday records to be doctored (with her knowledge) to show that she was indeed on holiday!</p><p>The crazed Cooper was deluded enough to think that he could become the Mayor of West Midlands when the new WM combined authority was created and Britton did what he could to assist the political Leader. Cooper toured Sandwell on a speaking tour to promote his possible candidacy and, once again, Britton laid on the Council's second chauffeur-driven vehicle to drive him about at taxpayers' expense:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzGh7bZtO3tWsnn6Zx7EB0gL9IAtixWX1JqV31317Qo5AIpBgLuWZY9vdsbQf3lZP6g1yfsx-IaAudmSxbrnk_jhLvZxYbwzylNFalK6I3f41deV7MRwca7fwYxVIxn45gquLv2T5_YtuFt8tnG7GXMW99GQ6AVWZySg19zARhdGfYRcl9h5b_eoq3OlD/s1195/rangerover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1195" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzGh7bZtO3tWsnn6Zx7EB0gL9IAtixWX1JqV31317Qo5AIpBgLuWZY9vdsbQf3lZP6g1yfsx-IaAudmSxbrnk_jhLvZxYbwzylNFalK6I3f41deV7MRwca7fwYxVIxn45gquLv2T5_YtuFt8tnG7GXMW99GQ6AVWZySg19zARhdGfYRcl9h5b_eoq3OlD/w640-h380/rangerover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Britton is keen on cars himself and enjoys off-roading (a suitable term for his own form of local authority governance). Council employees alleged that he was having his vehicles repaired advantageously at the Sandwell Council garage. He admitted this but stated that he was paying the "going rate" for any work done by employees, parts etc. Nevertheless employees then complained to this blog that on Monday's Britton would present them with a muddy vehicle after a bit of off-roading and make them clean it for him. What is definitely true is that Britton then used the garage for winter storage of two of his vehicles since staff bravely photographed this and leaked the picture:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBVz1XQnkefv7pDpDdAm9aUgEEJL1fduQMWDiKOwL24k1e5cOD-gZgcsc0pfphrs98NmhMmphgnRB5eNt5Hb30UuDTwrGgBlVAEoLi1krJpdZ5RHXM_ZbBQbOn1G6cU1QyGjk3kUhDI67ZaIdpr7xejFJ2rkuJfHqVN38sWrr54dOv6-J7x9DTX8twgxu/s1080/janbrittonscars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1080" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBVz1XQnkefv7pDpDdAm9aUgEEJL1fduQMWDiKOwL24k1e5cOD-gZgcsc0pfphrs98NmhMmphgnRB5eNt5Hb30UuDTwrGgBlVAEoLi1krJpdZ5RHXM_ZbBQbOn1G6cU1QyGjk3kUhDI67ZaIdpr7xejFJ2rkuJfHqVN38sWrr54dOv6-J7x9DTX8twgxu/w640-h328/janbrittonscars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Britton presided over a period when SMBC routinely destroyed documents e.g. when staff left the Authority, and subverted the Subject Access and Freedom of Information legal requirements (again, see the email above which appears to be an attempt to prevent full disclosure of documents to Cllr jones). Any wrongdoers or independent spirits were fired subject to signing confidentiality agreements and receiving a chunk of taxpayers' dosh. As above, he unlawfully managed to keep much business "off the record" as with his use of his Blackberry and the widespread use by others (at least) of WhatsApp. He presided over the spectacular failure of Sandwell's Children's Services Department so that the Government had to intervene there too, and set up a new Children's Trust to protect vulnerable kids. Britton had provided contracts to outside companies and is said to have enjoyed lavish lunches with their representatives. We are unlikely to establish the truth of this since he fought to conceal his own employee register of interest before his eventual disgrace. What is beyond doubt (and which, yet again has been available like much else about Britton for all to see on this blog) is that when Children's Services collapsed, Britton sought to exonerate himself and publicly blamed the Council's social workers for the debacle. Unsurprising ugly scenes ensued with the aggrieved workers being understandably outraged, but there you have the measure of the man.</p><p>A senior female employee at bent Sandwell once informed me that Britton loved, "men with big swinging d*cks". When I expressed total astonishment she explained that she did not mean this in a homoerotic sense but that he was totally "in thrall" to men he perceived to be powerful. She explained that this explains disasters at the Council such as the BT/Providence Place scandals where the taxpayer was shafted once again.</p><p>On the frequent occasions when things went wrong at his failing Council Britton (no doubt hugging his Blackberry to his chest) would let it be known via third parties that he, personally, knew nothing about what had happened. This shows his rank cowardice and penchant for blaming others for his manifest failures, but even if this was remotely true one would have to ask why the supposed Captain was asleep in his cabin as his ship bore down on the iceberg?</p><p>At the start of Britton's disastrous reign the Council was run by Cllrs Cooper, Eling and Hussain who were all close. Hussain was best-man at Eling's wedding. The thuggish Cooper died suddenly and Eling became Interim Leader. He faced a challenge from a senior Councillor (also close to Hussain), Ian Jones (see the Eling/Britton email pictured above). Before Cooper died there was a half-hearted Police investigation into corruption at the Council which Sandwell tried to nip in the bud (and which it eventually succeeded in doing) by setting up its own "independent investigation". Cooper hoped the whole thing would go away but after his death Eling decided to use the investigation to shaft both Cllrs Hussain and Jones (who were members, of course, of Eling's own Party in the local dictatorship). I should say that the whole "investigation" and subsequent standards hearing were fixed - whatever wrongdoing there may have been - and Eling "won". Hussain lost a High Court judicial review trying to stop the process. Mr Justice Green "believed" the evidence of Britton but a mountain of documentary and other evidence has subsequently come to light which casts considerable doubt on the way the Council presented its case.</p><p>Whatever the legal arguments surrounding all this there are now well-documented examples (some of which the current Leader of Sandwell Council is still trying to suppress) of Britton's dubious involvement in the affair. Firstly, he did not instruct the firm of Solicitors who had the main contract to do Sandwell's legal work but instructed a local crony firm and solicitor to do the job. This was the firm now known as Gowling WLG but which was known locally at the time simply as Wragges (and that name will apply in the rest of this post). Hussain was/is a prominent local Muslim but Britton picked a crony and self-proclaimed "Zionist", Mark Greenburgh, to lead the attack with, as we shall see, a very poor outcome.</p><p>This blog published the still-secret - as far as Sandwell council is concerned - "Cox Review" back in February, 2022 which found that Britton had run up £43,000 of legal costs with Wragges before obtaining the requisite internal authority to do so - a breach of the Council's Contract and Procurement Rules. He inexplicably chose Wragges ahead of the firm with the contract to do legal work and agreed a budget of £100,000 with them. Britton then "hid" payments to Wragges by failing to use the Council's normal payments system - this a breach of the Council's own financial regulations. Britton or occasionally his Assistant signed nine forms authorising payments without stating the reason for doing this and despite signing a declaration that the failure to follow the correct process could lead to disciplinary proceedings. (We shall see what Britton did to his Assistant below ...)</p><p>Having agreed a budget of £100,000 Britton paid Wragges £180,000 without securing any authority for the further £80,000. The Report was extremely poorly written and presented by Wragges (it is publicly available) and the Cox Review found numerous concerns relating to how the investigation, and in particular the interviews, were conducted.</p><p>With a Police investigation underway and Greenburgh anxious to dig up dirt on Hussain, Cooper began to lose control (if he ever had it) and then a strange episode occurred. Cooper was present when Greenburgh made an appalling racist comment about Cllr Hussain's disabled daughter, claiming that her disability was the outcome of "inbreeding" within the Muslim community. What happens next is opaque but Britton was involved and a QC (as was) was appointed to green light the publication of the Report irrespective of Greenburgh's apparent bias against Hussain. As above, the High Court became involved and Britton told it that Greenburgh's racist remark was just "an isolated quip". This is a vile downplaying by Britton of the awful comment and, as the Cox Review found, was false anyway as Greenburgh also made other demeaning comments about local Muslims.</p><p>Maria Price (see also above) was adamant that all was above board with the investigation but it transpires that Britton entered into very detailed secret correspondence with Greenburgh and his assistant at Wragges, Vivienne Reeves, specifically asking for revisions of the text. There are pages and pages of this stuff which clearly show that Britton was not dealing with this investigation at arms-length. Further, and more worrying still, is that there is now clear evidence that Britton was also communicating clandestinely with Greenburgh and Reeves "off the record", and this was something he specifically failed to mention to Mr Justice Green. This blog holds documentary proof of this and the Cox Review itself also states:</p><p>"It has not been possible to view the full exchanges between [Britton] and Mr Greenburgh during this time as the email trails suggest the former Chief Executive was at times using his personal email account to contact Mr Greenburgh, which is in itself a breach of the Council's established processes."</p><p>(The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have refused to deal with a complaint concerning Greenburgh and Reeves knowingly communicating directly with Britton outwith the Council's normal channels of communication.)</p><p>The Wragge Report was leaked to the Labour Party. During the currency of the High Court proceedings either one or two Councillors close to Eling - and of Cabinet status - leaked the Wragge Report and the accompanying QC Opinion separately to two local tame journalists. Britton did not order any sort of inquiry into these incredibly serious leaks.</p><p>The Cox Review is available via this link and has, no doubt, been studied and ignored by the powers that be at Dorset Council:</p><p><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2022/02/here-it-is-folks-cox-review-revealed.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2022/02/here-it-is-folks-cox-review-revealed.html</a><br /></p><p>(Greenburgh was reprimanded for the vile "inbreeding" comment with no mention of its racist nature by the disciplinary panel. The SRA says that a further referral to it relating to the additional remarks disclosed in the Cox Review do not merit further sanction.)</p><p>A curious corollary to the whole Wragge and Standards process was that prior to one of the hearings the Monitoring Officer (himself a highly controversial figure) held a top secret briefing with the members of the Ethical sub-Committee hearing the case and this appalling behaviour was also leaked. A leading Councillor - identified by many as Eling (Skidders passim) - believed the leak had come from the long-serving secretaries to the Council's cabinet members and was heard - literally screaming - "I wan't the f*ckers out, and I don't want the f*ckers back!" Britton arranged for the unfortunate women to be immediately suspended and had his grovelling s.151 Officer, Darren Carter, commence an investigation. It immediately became apparent that the secretaries were wholly innocent and they had to be quickly reinstated with compensation. Once again, definitive evidence of Britton's spinelessness, lack of judgement, and craven kowtowing to his political masters.</p><p>[Carter was later suspended himself and eventually left the Authority. Sandwell say this was NOT due to his own appalling behaviour during this incident but won't say what caused him to be suspended. Needless to say, in the sick world of local government Carter walked straight into another job with Reading Council.]</p><p>When Cllr Hussain was still pals with Cooper and Eling this blog exposed his failure to disclose his interests in a taxi firm which was bidding for Council contracts. Britton claimed to have undertaken a "full investigation" into the matter and duly exonerated Hussain on the grounds (a) that the convoluted arrangements made with regard to his shares in the taxi company were somehow an oversight (which was completely meaningless given what this blog had revealed), and (b) that although the Cllr had not declared a significant business interest during contract negotiations this didn't really matter since EVERYONE KNEW that he ran the taxi firm in question! This shocking conclusion should, at the time, have led to Britton's instant dismissal but the position became even worse following a freedom of information request from this blog. Despite the alleged "full investigation" Britton was unable to produce ANY documentation of it ever happening nor of any interviews or other meetings which were supposed to have taken place. Britton later mentioned this misconduct to Greenburgh stating that this was not "his finest hour" (as if he ever had any others).</p><p>As the tyrant Eling's paranoia grew before his own defenestration, Britton agreed to set up a para-military force to police the Council House and conduct various other mysterious operations. Thus Council meetings were surrounded by barriers and security staff all equipped with body cams - at huge expense to the taxpayer. Britton rapidly - and inexplicably - promoted a very nasty piece of work who had started at the Council as a gravedigger to become head of this force and his Head of Security (see further below). He also caused or permitted this force to video members of the public outwith the ring of steel and even some distance from the Council House (one security report shows that Britton had the writer under observation in a local pub). None of this was lawful pursuant to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. </p><p>If you are beginning to flag reading all this please note that these are only the choicest extracts from many reports on the fawning and cowardly Britton, as can be seen in back numbers of this blog over a very considerable period of time. And hang on in there, dear Readers, as things actually get WORSE!</p><p>The Hackett scandal is, after many years, still ongoing (Skidders passim ad nauseum). Corrupt liar Cllr Hackett was (and, even more incredibly, still is a Sandwell Cabinet member). The Assistant Chief Executive (ACE) referred to above was also acting Monitoring Officer when Hackett faced several allegations of misconduct (including being caught urinating in a bus shelter by a Council warden). Hackett was the useless political head of Children's Services when, again as above, it crashed into oblivion. One day he became privy to highly confidential information concerning a child and his/her parent. He duly blabbed this information to other Councillors and even to the local Labour Party chief whip (the latter in an email, a copy of which is held by this blog). The ACE unsurprisingly found (with a unanimous team which included Maria Price) that this was a serious breach of confidentiality and that he was in breach of the councillors' code of conduct. The martinet, Eling, ordered the ACE to change her report which she bravely refused to do and so Britton then told her she could no longer be Monitoring Officer. She rightly took this bullying as constructive dismissal and left, with Britton then agreeing a very substantial payment into her pension fund. If this isn't bad enough Britton then conspired with Hackett, Eling and Cllr Khatun for the latter pair to give new evidence, He told a junior employee to take two statements from them. He was to ask only one question, which Britton gave the employee, and he was to simply write down their answer (which, of course, was identical) without any further ado. This was done and suddenly a new Report was produced completely exonerating Hackett. Hackett had admitted in the email what he had done but then had a pet "journalist" trumpet his innocence and claim the allegation had been malicious. Maria Price was directly involved in sending out the altered Report despite her earlier involvement. What this shower had not considered, however, was the wrath of the parent and child who then brought civil actions against the Council. Even though Britton and others - including Council solicitors - knew that the evidence had been deliberately altered they initially contested the civil case. But. of course, the Council eventually had to admit defeat and had to pay damages to the injured parties. Incredibly, the costs are not yet finalised but are very substantial. All these costs were a direct result of Britton doing Eling's bidding and rigging the Report.</p><p>Happily, it was Britton's involvement in this deliberate subversion of this standards investigation which was the primary cause of his eventual suspension and disgrace. The second nail in his coffin arose from the infamous c*cksucker trial.</p><p>Britton had been trying to criminalize the writer since 2015 via pals at West Midlands Police (WMP). He saw an opportunity when I referred to him as a "c*cksucker" outside the Council House whilst, unfortunately, having a megaphone in my hand (as one does)! I was taken all the way to a criminal trial at Dudley Magistrates Court where I was acquitted. During the trial Britton and his aforementioned Head of Security both told the exact same lie whilst on oath in the witness box. Word for word. I made a complaint of perjury to WMP which found, bizarrely, that both witnesses may have told the exact same lie "by accident". At the time West Midlands Police were very friendly with Britton and employed his son.</p><p>It later transpired during Britton's dismissal that he and the Head of Security had directly colluded with regard to their witness statements. Such was the concern of Sandwell Council itself about an attempt to rig a criminal trial that it referred the documentation itself to WMP although, again, the cops decided to take no action. But Britton lied on oath in a criminal case, and that's a fact as set out previously in this blog.</p><p>[I refer at this point to the many Sandwell Skidder blogs mentioning Britton's appalling behaviour and these form the legal justification for his post which repeats matters mentioned over a period of several years. I also refer specifically to the legal notice below. For the avoidance of any legal doubt I also refer to the post, "Jan Britton - the net closes in!" from our associated blog, Crow Multimedia, which can be found via this link:</p><p><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/6/blog/post/edit/5210725868751736806/733190956498783159">https://www.blogger.com/u/6/blog/post/edit/5210725868751736806/733190956498783159</a><br /></p><p>Following his disgrace at bent Sandwell Britton walked straight into another local authority job with Publica Group. This was a Company set up by four small councils around the Cotswolds area to deal with their administration. Publica must have known all of the above but employed him on a high salary regardless. I have never been able to get to the bottom of how he swung this job although, inexplicably, the very aggressive Liberal Democrat Leader of Cotswold District Council, Joe Harris, seems to have been involved. Even if he wasn't, he has since been an assiduous cheerleader of Britton for whatever reason he may have.</p><p>Publica Group is disbanding and Britton is bragging that he is the new "Interim Executive Lead for Place" at Dorset Council from January, 2024 despite the above - which Dorset Council must clearly be aware of. The interesting thing is that as Chief Executive of bent Sandwell when corruption and incompetence grew, and it lurched towards Government intervention, he was a member of the absurdly named, Solace, a network for local government high-flyers [sic]. The boss of Dorset Council, Matt Prosser, is, coincidentally, currently the President of Solace.</p><p>Further, the use of "interim" appointments is a well-known ploy by councils to get round the law of the land. They use such appointments to dis the Equalities Act and to ensure that cronies can get posts without the bother of posts being advertised or having to go through any other sort of competitive process. I am not saying that is what has happened here, and I am sure that Dorset Councillors will wish to vigorously scrutinise the appointment process given Britton's atrocious record. I have put in a Freedom of Information Request to Dorset which I urge you to read and, again, I am sure Dorset's Chief Executive will make a timely and very full reply to it.</p><p><a href="https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/interim_appointment_of_jan_britt#incoming-2477760">https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/interim_appointment_of_jan_britt#incoming-2477760</a></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-34068253347260906852023-12-16T06:49:00.000-08:002023-12-16T06:49:44.963-08:00The Sandwell Tory Sh*tshow!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you remember the dark days in Sadders before 12th December, 2019? The bent Labour Borough elected just “half” a Tory MP - James Morris - whose constituency is divided between Sandwell and Dudley. Adrian Bailey was the Labour MP for West Brom West (WBW) where he was engaged in a bitter civil war with the King of the Scumbags, former fatman Tom “Twatson” Watson (West Bromwich East - WBE), and the greedy Sarf London spiv, John Spellar (Warley).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At one time during the currency of this blog bent Labour held 71 of the 72 Sandwell Council seats and under leaders [sic] Cooper and Eling institutionalised corruption throughout the Borough, ably [sic] assisted by such Councillors as Paul Moore, Simon Hackett, Kerrie Carmichael, Syeda Khatun (and others) and by Jan Britton, David Stevens, Nick Bubalo, Adrian “Cop-Shagger” Scarrott, Neeraj Sharma, Surjit Tour (and many others) in the paid service.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry there has not been a Skidder blog recently but I have had a very busy spell with the day job, and a couple of other things, plus I’ve been a tad unwell. Normal service is resumed! Please now read on …</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But the times they were a-changin’ and the cowardly Watson surrendered his seat rather than risk losing it in the 12th December, 2019 General Election Labour rout (but safe in the knowledge that he would eventually become an unelected legislator in the House of Lords - which “Sir” Woodenarse”, Keir Starmer, eventually facilitated despite Twatson’s appalling misconduct - notably in the ‘Carl Beech affair’). Suddenly though, the darkest hour seemed to have given way to a glorious new dawn. James Morris was re-elected but now with two Sandwell Conservative colleagues - Shaun Bailey in WBW and Nicola Richards in WBE.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, yet another vastly expensive tier of local government was being forced on the people of the West Midlands which did at least hold out the promise (sadly unfulfilled) that some of the corrupt Labour Councillors in bent Sadders would have their wings clipped - at least to some extent. Former soft-furnishings salesman and bullsh*tter extraordinaire, “King” Andy Street, became the new Mare - sorry - Mayor of the West Midlands. Unfortunately, he has been a pernicious influence on Sandwell Tories.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Local Toryism was on the up and up, but there were fault lines within the Sandwell end of the Party. James Morris’s local party structure in Halesowen and Rowley Regis is separate from that of the rest of the Sadders, where the Sandwell Conservative Federation holds sway. And, at least so it has seemed to outsiders, never the twain shall meet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I should add here that despite smears by the likes of Comandante Piper and other Labour weirdos I have never been a member of the Tory Party nor ever voted for it. I despise people who have an absurd ideological political view where they must vote for a party for life irrespective of its leadership and policies, but I can certainly say there is no prospect of me voting Conservative for the foreseeable future. I backed the advance of Toryism in Sadders in the hope - now dashed - that a small but effective opposition to the vile Labour Dictatorship would bring vastly increased scrutiny of it and begin to rein in the rampant corruption. cronyism and incompetence of the comrades. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I think any Party would have struggled with the Covid pandemic and its economic and health sequalae but the Tories seem to have been beaten by it and have emerged as a lethargic and sclerotic outfit incapable of governance. There is now so little Government business in Parliament various MP’s are flocking into evening media and other jobs and as they don’t actually need to turn up to Westminster. The Tories know from Brexit that many scum in Britain (and Sandwell) will vote for them because of a hatred of foreigners, but even their policy [sic] on immigration is a disaster (exacerbated by a determination not to enter into sensible discussions with our European neighbours to seek some sort of a solution). The Clown Prince - Johnson - was deposed only for the Party to elect Liz Truss - and look what happened there! Now they have a weak leader, division on the back benches and no new policy ideas whatsoever. They have even shafted their beloved King Andy (Street) over HS2!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7wKhq8znh47VOWv-pXVf6SI-LuuZjRHHEsHXkw-7JNhx5S7zprSmAdAOvAK5GoWTbldl6h3O_vD5o0Rxyyxap1izC9JDpLADsJhyxYgsee6xCMx8PC1DM2z4FbBWfmU_v2VLIabMbHXsITFI4ngtu5vrmYXy7WNHbuDBmeZlFPWUZoyA7arMRcJTtfSU/s1700/Screenshot_20231130-083130~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7wKhq8znh47VOWv-pXVf6SI-LuuZjRHHEsHXkw-7JNhx5S7zprSmAdAOvAK5GoWTbldl6h3O_vD5o0Rxyyxap1izC9JDpLADsJhyxYgsee6xCMx8PC1DM2z4FbBWfmU_v2VLIabMbHXsITFI4ngtu5vrmYXy7WNHbuDBmeZlFPWUZoyA7arMRcJTtfSU/w381-h640/Screenshot_20231130-083130~2.png" width="381" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot Bailey, Richards & Street!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">James Morris did what he could to lead the political line against Sandwell Labour corruption, most notably by pushing through an explosive Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons in January, 2018. But there is only so much one man can do and he gave the appearance (at least) of retreating into his shell thereafter with the notable exception of his efforts - with MP’s Bailey and Richards - to finally have the bent Borough placed in Government ‘Special Measures”. Like many folk, he has a personal distaste for me - and some other local anti-corruption campaigners - and has been unwilling to engage with us. And because two different Tory organisations operate in Sadders there has always been the perception of an unfortunate rivalry between them and a lack of coordination both on issues of mutual interest, and - worse still - at election time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is hard to know - given lack of contact and external media coverage what Mr Morris is actually doing vis-a-vis Sandwell. To be fair, he has clearly been very busy on Parliamentary business as a Government Whip (although his duties must be less onerous now in the dog days of this Government. But IF (IF) there was slack this was picked up by Bailey and Richards who have spoken up for the Borough many times in the House of Commons (a most refreshing change from the laziness of Twatson and the bizarre, meaningless, stream of ‘written questions’ from the pathetic greaser, Spellar). But …</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Very shortly after the General Election constant rumours began to circulate that Bailey and Richards “hate each other” and this was hampering any joint efforts to represent the best interests of Sadders folk. Again, it is not always possible to know what has been going on behind the scenes, but there is very little empirical evidence of them actually working together on issues. There were also rumours of factionalism within the Federation - particularly between Street’s band of rimmers and others.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Whilst Shaun Bailey has put up some fight he does have a tendency to try to claim victories which are either pyrrhic or non-existent. The crowing about “saving” Tipton Police Station is but one example. As above, his apparent unwillingness to work with Richards cannot be healthy. I have also received several different accounts - some unpleasant - of his allegedly Hackett-esque libido (although even if these allegations are true and not malicious, Shaun has the excuse that he is a single man whereas Hackett leaves a trail of female cuckolds in his slimy trail).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Although Bailey is in regular communication with some Tory Councillors there seems to be a woeful lack of coordinated activity with them. For example, I have seen a letter Bailey wrote to a constituent where he commented adversely on the performance of the Government Commissioners (appointed given the serious governance concerns arising from the misconduct of bent Labour which has cost us taxpayers at least £2m.) However, this concern has not been uttered publicly by him nor by the Councillors. Indeed. As this blog pointed out - on one occasion in a public Council meeting Tory “leader” Dave “Call Me David” Fisher (metaphorically) dropped to his knees to fellate Kim Bromley Derry.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing, however, soils the pants of local Toryism more than the decision by MP, Nicola Richards, to open her bowels over Sandwell folk. This pathetic coward saw that boundary changes were coming and decided to abandon the people who voted for her. She sees herself as a rising star of the Conservative Party (a possible triumph of hope over experience given the disintegration of the Tories nationally) and she has hitched her wagon to the pantomime horse that is Penny Mordaunt. She seems to be actively campaigning in what she perceives to be the safe seat of Solihull. This is sick beyond belief and an insult to all in Sandwell where she professes to “love the Baggies” and much else about the appalling sh*thole she represents but is so anxious to leave.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Remember this plea for you to trust Richards in 2019, WBE?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAB8u8v-K37ImQkOKbJd8Sua8s83qgdgi2ML7QwF2eN_b7zrTrvehjuOr4UXi_Pf3gRTjnQ54Q8ZOXPg3CiE8-POsXNeLIJ5r27v7CmAjx8wNd44qRJCitoxRWBdCiqGOYI8bvfs-je9pVGT83ZFEXy-DhkIsOHm6KpjbzPRk7SKmy-IhF9-bQV-3rTG7/s1007/Screenshot_20231212-134158.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1007" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAB8u8v-K37ImQkOKbJd8Sua8s83qgdgi2ML7QwF2eN_b7zrTrvehjuOr4UXi_Pf3gRTjnQ54Q8ZOXPg3CiE8-POsXNeLIJ5r27v7CmAjx8wNd44qRJCitoxRWBdCiqGOYI8bvfs-je9pVGT83ZFEXy-DhkIsOHm6KpjbzPRk7SKmy-IhF9-bQV-3rTG7/w640-h498/Screenshot_20231212-134158.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Curiously one of the first Sandwell Labour people to mock Richards for her cowardice was Mr Hate Not Hope, Gurinder Josan, which is somewhat ironic as he had his tongue so far up Tom Watson’s arse he was cleaning his teeth and, as above, Watson ran away too!</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Assuming Richards does fetch up in a local seat I intend to follow her around on the campaign trail in a chicken costume and will be seeing donations for the purchase of same - including from rich “socialists” like Piper and Josan in due course!</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Just one coda on Richards. She produces a weekly newsletter but doesn’t appear to check it very thoroughly. This blog pointed out that she boasted that The Albion Foundation is “the charitable arm” of the football club when it is, legally, an independent charity. Which, er, Richards should know as she is a trustee of it FFS! In another recent example she boasted about the Oak House Museum getting a grant from English Heritage and referred to it as being Grade II listed. "SW" on Facebook immediately pointed out that it is, in fact Grade ll* listed which may not sound a lot of difference, but actually is in the heritage pecking order.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Richards may be taking the p*ss out of us all but an alarming story reaching The Skidder is that the Tories are said to be abandoning the seat and only intending to put up a paper candidate to fight [sic] it. WTF?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, and I forgot to say that Richards is an assiduous rimmer of Andy Street (yes, it’s that man again!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Turning to the local Federation and the Councillors all has come to nought. They have turned into just another p*ss and wind brigade when not (metaphorically) arse-licking the likes of Labour grotesque, Paul “The Cipher” Moore. Why?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There have been constant allegations of racism within the Sandwell Conservative Federation. Given that some members - like some of the people in uneducated Sandwell - ARE racists, or express racist views, this is not particularly surprising and, to be fair, there is now a much-better mix of councillors and members from different backgrounds. However, the recent deselection of Cllr Archer Williams and shafting of Jay Anandou does give one pause for thought - and concern.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Two Councillors - Anandou and Kalari - remain Party members but are no longer part of the official Conservative Group on the Council. This self-inflicted fiasco would be stunning at the best of times but all this came very soon after this photo from 23rd September:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiCUT3heWuXnWvxyh7JLtdd2E_v9_diaH-ptJc8FUU2KE5XRaVorqKZy8Co_tNIYHf6plegMOeb4_qd8K6WjcsSyZ-r8nn2CSzkD6dNys8drW7SaJDhV4flYCZd11SbbOuIGmsnu2ejCnK7kjQCukAkGP2bgUM6VZOphdjqZS9ohyyUgnyPCDiKD8UVo0/s871/Screenshot_20231120-155515.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="871" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiCUT3heWuXnWvxyh7JLtdd2E_v9_diaH-ptJc8FUU2KE5XRaVorqKZy8Co_tNIYHf6plegMOeb4_qd8K6WjcsSyZ-r8nn2CSzkD6dNys8drW7SaJDhV4flYCZd11SbbOuIGmsnu2ejCnK7kjQCukAkGP2bgUM6VZOphdjqZS9ohyyUgnyPCDiKD8UVo0/w640-h368/Screenshot_20231120-155515.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, folks - just a few weeks ago this sh*tshow re-elected Jay Anandou as Chair and Kalari (right and left as shown) as an Officer of the Federation. You couldn't make it up! (Oh and various Tories are also putting down the poison about this pair …)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Regular readers will know that I have spent over a year painstakingly assembling the evidence about bent Labour’s extraordinary deal to employ Keir Starmer’s pal Imogen Walker as bottom-wiper for Labour “leader” Kerrie “Dim Kez” Carmichael even though Walker lives in Scotland! Readers will know that I sent a suggested motion about all this to the local Tories to raise at a Council meeting. When I met Cllr Fisher outside the Oldbury Kremlin a few weeks ago he claimed that the Group had not put the motion in “because there were discussions going on behind the scenes”. This, it turns out, was a very deliberate intent to deceive me since he and the Group apparently had no intention of forcing Walker out and saving taxpayers’s money since they were, in fact, negotiating to get “Shadow Cabinet” status with “special responsibility payments” for themselves. They cannot rock the Labour boat until they win their prize. Again, you can’t trust these local Tories!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Fisher has been around in right-wing politics for a while and infamously put up this absolutely disgraceful tweet causing him to be removed from the Leadership of the Tory Group - although only temporarily:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRmO0-d5FDFni9zF1mCREkI9nZIZvyhzb3sEuEZwN_IkdscwAAR3Ko77QSmnO3l4N2BPWRkTqmuL_vuqDT0vG7XdPi3AF0GODgmFjbBeHHcNjHKFlevEpEj3JrWPA51zPlG26RN4_O4hs63LJFWR6H7j6qvA-be6vBQFGhz8WKPngWYDZWdqtKSFrtVSK/s1007/Screenshot_20231216-123056.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="1007" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRmO0-d5FDFni9zF1mCREkI9nZIZvyhzb3sEuEZwN_IkdscwAAR3Ko77QSmnO3l4N2BPWRkTqmuL_vuqDT0vG7XdPi3AF0GODgmFjbBeHHcNjHKFlevEpEj3JrWPA51zPlG26RN4_O4hs63LJFWR6H7j6qvA-be6vBQFGhz8WKPngWYDZWdqtKSFrtVSK/w640-h230/Screenshot_20231216-123056.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For a considerable period of time local protesters have been objecting about bent Labour’s plan to destroy even more green space in Sadders - this time concreting-over a substantial part of the lovely Brandhall Golf Course.This included the protest group coming out in all weathers before full Council and other meetings. Cllr Jay Anandou has been assiduous in his opposition to the scheme but, as above, the knives have been out for him for some time from some of his “colleagues”. There have been persistent rumours that some Tory Councillors actually approved of the significant destruction of green space and, let’s face it, the Conservative Party gets a substantial percentage of its donations from property developers and builders. Yet these spineless jokers have been walking past the Brandhall protesters before meetings waving at them and making thumbs-up signs. At the final and all-important planning meeting Cllr Scott Chapman (see further below) voted FOR the destruction and he was publicly backed by Tory Cllr, Amrita Dunn. This pair, incidentally, claim to be against the destruction of Lion Farm Fields but clearly cannot now be trusted to oppose bent Labour’s latest plan to destroy a substantial part of them too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Chapman not only very publicly shafted Jay Anandou but then made THE most absurd statement about his actions on social media. He lectured folk that a Planning Committee is not the forum for “political” decisions. Bearing in mind that bent Labour have used planning as a political tool for the whole lifetime of this blog his comments are completely ludicrous. As he is not only a Councillor, but also employed by Nicola Richards, his naivety is totally incredible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For the record, it was a political decision by Labour to let the school at Brandhall rot; it was a political decision to close the golf course and a political decision by the comrades to destroy ever more green space. It was a political decision to build housing on the lovely site - dressed-up as due to future pressing housing needs when, in reality, Labour needed the housing to pay for a new school as they had blown multimillions on political vanity projects such as the Aquatics Centre.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To add insult to injury, very shortly after Chapman’s nasty behaviour and comments up popped “All White” Dave Fisher vowing to protect green space in his part of the benighted Borough! What an absolute f’ing shower! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidthgvwpAj9L7_LNt5KclWy7M1lftXdBASzEsZr_MKEn_eKho0PfRq5xtXg5wQVqVl6EF-80SPR4nhsFn75dRfAkWWVUfj6ToPn_JgwRQwHDCuxMWuSB9exUfy7FhiZLn6GT-ZV0zJp-Dl164CnbTbnA_WImaN4yKqyWIs-vezzXRDnDD9HIffm5m4c9pN/s1542/Screenshot_20231125-125807~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidthgvwpAj9L7_LNt5KclWy7M1lftXdBASzEsZr_MKEn_eKho0PfRq5xtXg5wQVqVl6EF-80SPR4nhsFn75dRfAkWWVUfj6ToPn_JgwRQwHDCuxMWuSB9exUfy7FhiZLn6GT-ZV0zJp-Dl164CnbTbnA_WImaN4yKqyWIs-vezzXRDnDD9HIffm5m4c9pN/w418-h640/Screenshot_20231125-125807~2.png" width="418" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have had more complaints about Chapman than any other Councillor recently which is extraordinary given the lazy, incompetent, dimwits in bent Labour, but he specifically denies any laziness and claims that he has done a great job for frightful dump, Friar Park. Indeed, so much so that he has been reselected by the Tories to fight the seat again at the next Council elections. This is a gaping open goal for bent Labour and I feel sure that they will score there (possibly with the awful member of the Giles clan/greed machine who was booted out in Charley & Grove Vale).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bizarrely, Chapman, King Andy and Richards have all been (metaphorically) masturbating about new developments at Friar Park - even though concerned locals keep pointing out the lack of infrastructure to deal with a large increase in the population. This trio have bragged about more cash for the Friar Park Millennium Centre even though it is a citadel of the, er, Labour Dictatorship in that area. WTF are they doing - again????</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have dozens of screenshots from local Community activist, Darryl Magher, (whom the Tories have shunned) where he has attended Council meetings as a member of the public but reported that no Tories have bothered to turn-up - officially or otherwise. We have raised this issue with some of them in the past and at first we were sympathetic since many of the Tory Councillors actually work (unlike their Labour counterparts) but as the Group has grown there has been less and less justification for absenteeism. It’s simply not good enough and Labour have been getting away with murder. (Just as one of many examples, what have the Tories done to question the 99-year leases bent Labour have been doling out to crony “charities”?) If they get “Shadow Cabinet” status they will have to opportunity to attend meetings and briefings with Council officers etc., but as they can’t be bothered to turn up at official Council meetings is that really going to happen or will they just pocket the extra dosh?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Tories need 5 Councillors to be an officially recognised Group at the Council (let alone a Shadow Cabinet with extra dosh). It pains me to say it but he best way for the people of Sandwell to tell Fisher & Co. that they don’t want their money spent on this nonsense is to vote out as many Conservatives as possible next time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One person who must go is Liam Abrahams who is believed to be resident in London now. <b>Breaking news! As I have been writing this Abrahams has confirmed he will NOT be standing in Great Barr with Yew Tree next year. I need not say more …</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sandwell is in a truly disastrous position. Despite the corruption it looks like the Labour Dictatorship will STRENGTHEN its position next year and bring ever more misery to the people of Sandwell - although that is precisely what they seem to want. The Tories have been disastrous and very ineffective. The Lib Debs have been doing well nationally in local elections but have no chance in Sandwell under the crazed leadership of local Fuhrer, Mark Smith. There are no other parties which merit mention. Hopefully a few good independents will stand like Richard Jeffcoat and Darryl Magher but it is extremely difficult (and costly) for them to take on the Labour Party machine. Still, if the folk of Sandwell want to f*ck themselves yet again who I am I to try to stop them?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAodByFq5UBTiRC8ZN149qxSziRDOsDU8pR8PdfwzwIhSA0Ar5L3hTTuWXOX_F4Msj3Ev_fC3eUgR5OOkJ02bSLDgn8O_OglQ8kmMscIMGVJSe0Tchpf9oUtaSImlXtpLDSnYT-JEs-RLMvOGm3SfB4Iy4Ut2yO-WL8OMc1VNoziojE4eojy1so3lyJtp/s1080/Screenshot_2022-07-19-12-30-23-78_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAodByFq5UBTiRC8ZN149qxSziRDOsDU8pR8PdfwzwIhSA0Ar5L3hTTuWXOX_F4Msj3Ev_fC3eUgR5OOkJ02bSLDgn8O_OglQ8kmMscIMGVJSe0Tchpf9oUtaSImlXtpLDSnYT-JEs-RLMvOGm3SfB4Iy4Ut2yO-WL8OMc1VNoziojE4eojy1so3lyJtp/w640-h358/Screenshot_2022-07-19-12-30-23-78_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). 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If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-77218225776667657782023-11-23T04:18:00.000-08:002023-11-23T04:18:31.399-08:00UK's "Most Controversial" Monitoring Officer finally OUT!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">At long last Monitoring Officer and Head of Legal [sic] Surjit Tour is OUT. This vile individual who has done so much harm to Sandwell Council should never have been re-appointed by bent Labour in 2017 and he has wreaked havoc ever since.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOBgDvj_Abxz4DuIZOUcdPqY_n_RcNCHijxvG79_7jHBG1QSXgRjrpKx_gTY44MmUgkDJB8wiOpgVS3jil3mOJnvWjBvlXW257GR7yMFCuy4seCbUUBNBmiks8VKNHABU814TWnd7XrmuP93ZaJxCn48hy3sT-4mEQ_T0JgWR4IqNXLW3XeT0PKxvs9v4/s948/Curse%20of%20McNally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="948" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOBgDvj_Abxz4DuIZOUcdPqY_n_RcNCHijxvG79_7jHBG1QSXgRjrpKx_gTY44MmUgkDJB8wiOpgVS3jil3mOJnvWjBvlXW257GR7yMFCuy4seCbUUBNBmiks8VKNHABU814TWnd7XrmuP93ZaJxCn48hy3sT-4mEQ_T0JgWR4IqNXLW3XeT0PKxvs9v4/w400-h400/Curse%20of%20McNally.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Skidder and others have campaigned for years to get this turd flushed out of the system. We have even had a poster campaign and demo outside the Oldbury Kremlin. When the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Michael Gove, was considering placing the deeply corrupt Labour authority in "special measures" local community activist, Darryl Magher, and I made detailed written submissions to him providing evidence of Tour's behaviour and pointing out that his instant dismissal without compensation was vital if the bent Borough was to be straightened out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be writing about the sh*tshow Tory record in Sandwell very shortly but myself (and Darryl) have persistently lobbied the MP's - Morris, Bailey and Richards - and all the Conservative Councillors, to work to bring about the urgent demise of this joker. Unless they have done work behind the scenes and kept it secret they appear to have done absolutely f*ck all about this (and, as we shall see, many other things). Indeed some have done exactly the opposite foolishly believing that Tour may become their "friend"!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In mid-October sources began to whisper that Tour was on his way out and I wrote to Michael Gove asking him to ensure that, given his record, Tour received no pay-off from us taxpayers other than what he is legally entitled to. A spokesperson has eventually responded as follows:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"We have noted your concerns about the Monitoring Officer in Sandwell, but specific decisions of the management of its staff are a matter for the Council, with support from its commissioners, not for the department."</i> [See further below.]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It gets worse ... Although Tour has been responsible for outrageous activity such as contesting the Hackett litigation, gaming the standards system and conspiring with McNally and David Stevens to blow £100k of taxpayers money on her absurd personal litigation, he also knows where all the bodies are from the corruption under leaders [sic] Eling and the liar, Carmichael. Indeed he metaphorically murdered and/or buried some of the cadavers himself. He is nominally Head of Legal (ROFLMAO) but also the statutory Monitoring Officer (which means Sandwell has to employ someone in this role by law). But there is no way Dim Kez (i.e. Carmichael) could let him go without him signing a non-disclosure agreement - not least because he could "bring down" half of the Labour Group if he opened his unpleasant mouth. And so it is alleged - and no-one will speak out at present - including the Tories - that although there has to be a Monitoring Officer the corrupt Council - seemingly with the approval of the Government Commissioners - have dressed up a deal whereby there is a "management restructuring" and his "position" is being made redundant. Thus, it is said, the taxpayer is on the hook for the fake "redundancy payment" so that Tour keeps his gob shut.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I won't waste my time writing to pathetic Tory Leader, Dave "Call me David" Fisher, anymore unless I am obliged to do so for legal reasons, but did contact him when the original rumour was that Tour was going at the end of March, 2024:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - PRESS ENQUIRY</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">There are widespread rumours that - no thanks to local Conservatives - Tour is going at the end of the municipal year. Further, despite his conduct he is said to be getting a substantial pay off.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Is Tour going and, if so, when?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">2. If he is away, will the post be advertised or will Carmichael appoint someone without an open process? What are the Conservatives going to do, if anything, to ensure that someone like Tour never happens to Sandwell again?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Is it true that Tour will receive a pay-off and, if so, how did your Group oppose this?"</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As usual with Fisher, no response.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway I understand that this bent deal was approved at a secret meeting of the Council recently where the press and public were excluded. I have now written to Michael Gove and to the Commissioners as follows:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Email to Michael Gove (noting the earlier reply set out above):</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"It is noteworthy that The Secretary of State is so disinterested in appalling conduct by a statutory Monitoring Officer and I will put his views in the public domain. Further the Government has purported to campaign AGAINST large pay-offs to public service [sic: servants]. The latest news is that Tour is indeed leaving but with a large pay-off. How is this being allowed to happen? Surely it should be Mr Gove asking the Commissioners about this and not me?"</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Why aren't Tory MP's Morris, Bailey and Richards intervening here given that there is a Tory Government (at least for a little while longer) and noting that the local Councillors are too inept, lazy or incompetent to do anything themselves?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Email to the Commissioners (copy to Dim Kez):</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I understand that, at last, Surjit Tour is finally out. I call upon the Commissioners and the Council to institute an immediate independent investigation into his conduct and all the cases he has dealt with.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I further understand that despite his conduct he is to receive a large pay-off in addition to his contractual/statutory rights, which is unconscionable. I am informed that this was agreed at a closed meeting of the Council but very many Councillors have relied on his wrongdoing to cover their own lies and misconduct eg. Carmichael, Hackett, Khatun, Melia (and many more). Did these people declare interests at the meeting and/or vote to pay-off Tour?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Clearly this matter is very urgent as the Commissioners are presumably in a position to suspend the payment pending an urgent enquiry."</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Watch this space but in the meantime a new Monitoring officer has been appointed, er, from one of the other most corrupt Labour Councils in the UK, Liverpool!!! I am now also investigating how this appointment was made since I, for one, have not seen it independently advertised. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Four Solicitors at Sandwell conspired to unlawfully fund Lisa McNally's malicious litigation and to run a p*sspoor case - Tour, Maria Price, Julia Lynch and Vanessa Maher-Smith. Only the latter remains but the Curse of McNally will hopefully strike to complete the rout of this quartet soon!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll keep you posted folks but be prepared for Labour to shaft you for a couple of hundred grand on this ...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiISDJTAJ33o-2oVDLGHoAxJULziD45E8ekfJZKX8dQAG0psZ28X0DL9apwGj3a4YDkRJIa7W0bsbarckxuj0tJf4RaqqgBk09EWOfdmObsKSTQMZG5SiDS4gu05yCS4u8BXvL6gPKbDzwSwYsMWrg7BxhEjkRfk-3hmD_fF4N1yNGXNMw0ad6ZvG6HNoy/s894/tour%20disasters%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="587" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiISDJTAJ33o-2oVDLGHoAxJULziD45E8ekfJZKX8dQAG0psZ28X0DL9apwGj3a4YDkRJIa7W0bsbarckxuj0tJf4RaqqgBk09EWOfdmObsKSTQMZG5SiDS4gu05yCS4u8BXvL6gPKbDzwSwYsMWrg7BxhEjkRfk-3hmD_fF4N1yNGXNMw0ad6ZvG6HNoy/w420-h640/tour%20disasters%20.jpg" width="420" /></span></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Halloween Horrors ...</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was struck by this recent headline from the Wolvo C*suckers (aka The Express and Star):</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9txWNj4_ha4sJFzytV3ikAywR_-5x-PAF-22XjoeUW7x5GlJ4XGSwZyQUHtdU9RVAyb3NuNc3uApIlMuVnDIUTbkC0fdvDDUHonUNVK2ETcnauSzcD9XV6whvfLGVZjmIQri2MX1BRod6OHK30V5EA1HdME2FWD2QGKWo6MjrfjlRxSvb6_TFejbrnTJt/s947/Screenshot_20231025-182559.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="947" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9txWNj4_ha4sJFzytV3ikAywR_-5x-PAF-22XjoeUW7x5GlJ4XGSwZyQUHtdU9RVAyb3NuNc3uApIlMuVnDIUTbkC0fdvDDUHonUNVK2ETcnauSzcD9XV6whvfLGVZjmIQri2MX1BRod6OHK30V5EA1HdME2FWD2QGKWo6MjrfjlRxSvb6_TFejbrnTJt/w640-h204/Screenshot_20231025-182559.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Surely the site referred to is Oldbury Council House - the Heart of Darkness itself and home to many "strange goings on"? And the ghost hunters could scour the now-empty building for the spectral presence of the taxpayer-funded Council shirkforce, many of whom are "working from home" whilst campaigning for a four-day week on five days pay.</span><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From the archive - Part One</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have recently been catching up with my archiving and finding all sorts of odds and sods. This blog is frequently indebted to info from you, dear readers. One informant provided this brief but astonishingly prescient appraisal of former Labour Leader "Red" Yvonne Davies (brought down by the Carmichael Gang) when she got the top job:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_JhrjNNGemJdxP6HTPXSBYoCD9GwMlpi_aK4wzRRSSqjQt_v_4z2uA4l2AilLV_C08U9v14VuLAtEpF8hhcTjeJ3LWdhDMYV6LOsogKnrteDmBdJnRJIyfaQyB8yEikezW5VJzaTQoyKHAb2pgezmWdnPB5TS9fJMRRzhnqGTWZr8711vqOuVIFAmv4m/s2906/PXL_20231026_115300675%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="2906" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_JhrjNNGemJdxP6HTPXSBYoCD9GwMlpi_aK4wzRRSSqjQt_v_4z2uA4l2AilLV_C08U9v14VuLAtEpF8hhcTjeJ3LWdhDMYV6LOsogKnrteDmBdJnRJIyfaQyB8yEikezW5VJzaTQoyKHAb2pgezmWdnPB5TS9fJMRRzhnqGTWZr8711vqOuVIFAmv4m/w640-h154/PXL_20231026_115300675%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From the archive - Part Two</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I worked [sic] in the law many moons ago there was something of a drinking culture at all levels. I worked mostly in personal injury work and major hearings/trials were pretty rare. Usually we had barristers up from London for these and often the proceedings would settle "at the door of the court". Instead of a lengthy hearing learned Counsel and I would be finished by 11 am. Cue a visit to the nearest hostelry, then a restaurant and then pubs again. These events, back in the day, were mega sessions - even with some very senior lawyers. Quite frequently my learned friends would pick up most of the tab too! Alas times have changed and such daytime boozing is frowned upon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bent Labour Sandwell Council uses a very expensive set of London Barristers - 11KBW - for much work and they were heavily involved in the standards hearings - or, more accurately, rigged show trials - of former Councillors Mahboob Hussain and Ian Jones. I recently found the note I made when suave London Barrister Ronnie Dennis squired Maria Price and another Sandwell Solicitor to luncheon. Unlike the bacchanalia of my day, wealthy Ronnie "treated" them and himself to refreshments at the Oldbury Wetherspoons where the trio supped 2 orange Pellegrino's (pop) and a ginger beer with 3 "meals". Ronnie flourished his card and paid the bill - £17.80 the lot. If that's what passes for a good time in the law these days I'm very glad I am out of it!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Late News</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As we shall see in a forthcoming post two Tories have become "Independent" Councillors, but the Labour ranks are thinning too. Lurid allegations surround Labour Cllr Kacey Akpoteni who is no longer showing as a Labour Councillor. And Wakas Younis (is he really related to the Tipton Tosser, Billa?) is believed to have been suspended by the national Labour Party thanks to his video exhorting locals to go and fight for the Palestinians. I wrote to Younis yesterday about this but he has failed to respond. Meanwhile the splendid X account (formerly Twitter) @CorruptSandwell broke the story yesterday and I have nicked their excellent picture:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHcTmf06ugKrhc0FkH7Rmx-162xLhWhwbFrk8nkdrPorHNdgI6EWXzG0HbbvepQ9tY17-nqA8gauIyhRjS0j6xMHFX86749N9I7YxUSik_bSqXnGlrWfEbCeRrWZ-AbaKHQyiYRJKXvq3BzXe83kAE-psvyZKUPlAlxG13tRcADrwRue2JjCKtQkbyAXN/s1007/Screenshot_20231123-115622.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1007" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHcTmf06ugKrhc0FkH7Rmx-162xLhWhwbFrk8nkdrPorHNdgI6EWXzG0HbbvepQ9tY17-nqA8gauIyhRjS0j6xMHFX86749N9I7YxUSik_bSqXnGlrWfEbCeRrWZ-AbaKHQyiYRJKXvq3BzXe83kAE-psvyZKUPlAlxG13tRcADrwRue2JjCKtQkbyAXN/w640-h618/Screenshot_20231123-115622.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">(By the way, no action has apparently been taken by Labour yet in respect of "nurse" and liar Cllr Parbinder Kaur for her pro-Hamas post. And needless to say there has been no comment from Dim Kez either on the behaviour of these errant Labour members.)</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Note: fingers crossed for a long-delayed Skidder Special this weekend ...</span></span></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-3872475529800473612023-10-24T04:58:00.008-07:002023-10-24T07:47:08.048-07:00Lal and Bent Labour's £4,000 p*ss-up + WMP politicisation<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe;">Just another quick reminder of the update to the revised legal notice below. Please take a look if you haven't already done so.</span></p><p><b>Lal and bent Labour whoop it up in skint Sadders - no austerity now!</b></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">In my last post* I explained that newish, highly-paid, Chief Executive, Shokat Lal, had been out partying at taxpayers' expense with Labour Cllrs Randhawa and Hughes at a fake "Business Awards" event. And this despite Sandwell Labour's hatred of business and enterprise!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">These utterly meaningless "awards" ceremonies are a gift that keeps on giving as there is a steady stream of gullible fools anxious to part with their - or in this case, OUR - money. The way these scams work is that the organiser sets up a posh black-tie event and then canvasses local business to buy tickets at it. Usually, "Joanna Bloggs Limited" receives a random sales email that the company has been "nominated" in a certain business category - "best new business", "community excellence champion" and other such b*llocks - and is invited to fork out at least £90 per head to attend the beano. If the company is mad enough to fork out they get included for an actual - and wholly pointless - award - selected by cronies of the organisers. The only real winners are, of course, the organisers themselves.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">One such is a major rimmer of bent Sandwell Labour, Ninder Johal of Nachural Events. Here he is playing the fool with his old mucker, former Sandwell Labour Leader, and wife beater, Darren Cooper. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTApeGkHDPlqmw4I1n8q1K82R99nKy8UlZyhz5u_6FH_IO1dfoAxb2NNri9QOcVX0fRbZy2RcdkQISCg00Zye6o9edB0sSnteSkC944mdxswTQNcWtlmwXw-GaI9TkneEUT-uA3Ltn-4chj-Yip7bzPZg3jl-hhPDDmDMnS7e5PH2_d3YOjrQJxeTJX0UK/s917/Screenshot_2023-10-24-09-39-13-54_680d03679600f7af0b4c700c6b270fe7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="917" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTApeGkHDPlqmw4I1n8q1K82R99nKy8UlZyhz5u_6FH_IO1dfoAxb2NNri9QOcVX0fRbZy2RcdkQISCg00Zye6o9edB0sSnteSkC944mdxswTQNcWtlmwXw-GaI9TkneEUT-uA3Ltn-4chj-Yip7bzPZg3jl-hhPDDmDMnS7e5PH2_d3YOjrQJxeTJX0UK/w400-h306/Screenshot_2023-10-24-09-39-13-54_680d03679600f7af0b4c700c6b270fe7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Johal is said to also be a personal friend of Cllr Pam Randhawa. I have written to her asking if this is correct but she has failed to respond. Nevertheless she managed to bag herself a seat at the posh do, at taxpayers' expense.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8xjsbCuB5jQEERvy5Q13NUzeOtXpGxEDwv8lcGnHSmWra4jIWE6tlW7BwMROey227DOeE4k2ZNDE4QOC1797vxaDbTx0LfdFAh5T5l7sC-51BSUg3s9v0VA_0MU64po2LtI8ryOxjh7i6xP-bAF4r9YyGdzWblKfrCodNkR7ERxdhyyWoH_dv32tQtIY/s1080/Screenshot_2023-07-07-23-15-37-17_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8xjsbCuB5jQEERvy5Q13NUzeOtXpGxEDwv8lcGnHSmWra4jIWE6tlW7BwMROey227DOeE4k2ZNDE4QOC1797vxaDbTx0LfdFAh5T5l7sC-51BSUg3s9v0VA_0MU64po2LtI8ryOxjh7i6xP-bAF4r9YyGdzWblKfrCodNkR7ERxdhyyWoH_dv32tQtIY/w640-h480/Screenshot_2023-07-07-23-15-37-17_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white;">A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request makes interesting reading not least since it shows that Lal hasn't got his finger on the pulse and the paid service is as shambolic as it always has been during the currency of this blog.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">Due to redactions in the FOIA reply it seems a third party was involved but we can see that Johal had sent out a round-robin looking for sponsors (rather than businesses per se). This came to be dealt with by Sandwell's "Anchor Network Coordinator in Sandwell Growth [sic]" whom Lal is bizarrely refusing to identify via the FOIA. The person claiming to do this job is one Nicy (correct spelling but pronounced "Nicky" - ! - ) Morgan. At some point Tony McGovern - Sandwell's flash Director of Regeneration was also involved.</span></p><p>The "invite" was vague - starting "How are things? Hope all going well? Please could you forward this to the correct person internally? Thanks." But it did also include the enticing comment that it was "an excellent opportunity to promote ... your new CEO."</p><p>Ms Morgan (it seems) tried to get the "budget" to attend this worthless event - i.e. to get someone to agree to shaft us taxpayers. McGovern started to get copied into correspondence but in Lal and McGovern's circus the paid service claim that they cannot trace who actually authorised the booking. Lal says there is no document showing who in the incompetent Authority agreed to expend public money on this event. Nevertheless, Ms Morgan was able to say to Johal on 2nd June, "It's a yes" plus a smiley emoji.</p><p>At some point Ms Morgan (?) invited Lal and McGovern to attend the bash but it seems that Lal didn't read the email since a further email from Sandwell's Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager (who he/she?) was then sent to Morgan (?) on 19th June which makes interesting reading:</p><p><i><span style="color: #800180;">"Shokat has just messaged me to ask:</span></i></p><p></p><p><i><span style="color: #800180;">Hi I have just seen on linkedin that we are sponsoring the Nachural summer dinner in July ‐ i am just interestedin knowing what this is costing and do we get any time at the event to speak ‐ and who is leading this? thanks"</span></i></p><p></p><p>We have seen time and again that the deeply corrupt Council is using messaging systems - WhatsApp etc - to avoid leaving a paper trail showing what is really going on. Happily this message was recorded in a subsequent email. Clearly Lal is intending to carry on in the same manner as his disgraced predecessors, Britton and Stevens - and that is something the Commissioners need to address whilst they are still in situ.</p><p>This also shows that the partying decision was not made by Lal himself. The assumption must be that McGovern made it, but couldn't be arsed to keep any records about it. Lal appears to be concerned about the cost as well he might be since it was <b>£4,000 </b>plus vat. But clearly the new CEO was comfortable with this since he was quick to don his best bib and tucker to get some free food and booze.</p><p>The sponsorship of a meaningless "awards category" at £4k of our money provided a table of 10 tickets but, curiously, only four attended. As pictured above Lal, Hughes and Randhawa were quick to get their noses in the taxpayers' trough plus one "junior employee", whom Lal is refusing to name (although the smart money is on Morgan). If this was such a prestigious event and <u>we</u> had paid for 10 Cllrs/employees to attend anyway, why did only 4 show up? And that's <b>£1,000 a head </b>just for a night out.</p><p>Lal has confirmed that the taxpayer-funded food and alcohol for the jolly and, no doubt, he and the "junior employee" have declared this on their Employee Declaration of Interest.</p><p>As above, normal attendance tickets for these w*nkfests start at £90 a head. In fact Johal is already trying to flog tickets for the self-same event next year at £110 per head. I duly wrote to Cllrs Randhawa and Hughes asking why neither had declared the jolly on their own Register of Interests. Hughes failed to respond but Randhawa wrote this:</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>"The council was one of the sponsors for the event and the costs of any hospitality received is valued by the council to fall below the threshold (£50) requiring disclosure on the Gifts and Hospitality Register."</i></span></p><p>When an event is publicly priced at well over £50 per head who the f in the Council "valued" this at under £50? Was this Lal himself so that he didn't have to declare his own register entry. I think we should be told don't you readers?</p><p><b>Sandwell Police - support by association?</b></p><p>This blog has occasionally run a "Cops*ckers" feature showing social media posts where the local cops are seen to be - metaphorically - fellating Sandwell Councillors. We have also seen that, for reasons unknown, the local plod and noddy plod (the PCSO's) literally - and I mean literally - have been seen queuing to be photographed with lying Labour Cllr Parbinder Kaur (who was found to be in breach of the Councillor's Code of Conduct when she lied about her property interests). Why FFS?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0CE5muMwpzZzz64Kcg70y9k5uSceO3iPZblqGcaDdu0siVfppKRfJm5MGpIi8bTvmbpSwfVgNsr_iQrmR-vjhSKyytAVGgBEFtthwpmxKhq8wI-ys5A-cJvQqrxX02i-PbPXohzAPbbp5qa6GIR85vusPtp3C4LRdHmWgCtBAs6QLzhlxWGcmjsdVeHf/s1251/Screenshot_2022-08-11-15-03-41-75_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0CE5muMwpzZzz64Kcg70y9k5uSceO3iPZblqGcaDdu0siVfppKRfJm5MGpIi8bTvmbpSwfVgNsr_iQrmR-vjhSKyytAVGgBEFtthwpmxKhq8wI-ys5A-cJvQqrxX02i-PbPXohzAPbbp5qa6GIR85vusPtp3C4LRdHmWgCtBAs6QLzhlxWGcmjsdVeHf/w552-h640/Screenshot_2022-08-11-15-03-41-75_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f%20(1).jpg" width="552" /></a></div><p>There has been some improvement in local policing in general recently, and in their social media output in particular. Long may it continue - although there are again signs of slippage when it comes to Kaur:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa1v2NYUCn0zVdAcGoGFIQkR82BlpkzY-t4FDgqL7n_8LJxFvdtu3HHZVLfiuC-wI8k-m25H93nkFb9D7OB5Mku2UIF_EpQDAccJeb6So6vQpiznr0aS7Y08EiWFgRpxIKC6w8h-eYG394TiAHILsGbhxmod1cQLEiIazlwwK1ksKXkD5HTDraWCSQLyn/s1079/Screenshot_2023-10-08-20-31-46-96_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1079" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa1v2NYUCn0zVdAcGoGFIQkR82BlpkzY-t4FDgqL7n_8LJxFvdtu3HHZVLfiuC-wI8k-m25H93nkFb9D7OB5Mku2UIF_EpQDAccJeb6So6vQpiznr0aS7Y08EiWFgRpxIKC6w8h-eYG394TiAHILsGbhxmod1cQLEiIazlwwK1ksKXkD5HTDraWCSQLyn/w640-h422/Screenshot_2023-10-08-20-31-46-96_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiNDYHR5oDiVr81aEzqzZitI9594g62PPGb9BPVmVT-JZDGQMu_Zwefw0mP5PzpYCEsbF4q9cXIobKmYkaVN-5wf6aO-hIl7umjGT1pulor59Jb4zkvK5P8Qqc6u_wrL-vhflRAPlI-L9s8QZOhSdJLaMRvCz2pqQAUZtJwptxsnvNbOYa8W-XFiVPO3V/s802/Screenshot_20231024-113550.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="802" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiNDYHR5oDiVr81aEzqzZitI9594g62PPGb9BPVmVT-JZDGQMu_Zwefw0mP5PzpYCEsbF4q9cXIobKmYkaVN-5wf6aO-hIl7umjGT1pulor59Jb4zkvK5P8Qqc6u_wrL-vhflRAPlI-L9s8QZOhSdJLaMRvCz2pqQAUZtJwptxsnvNbOYa8W-XFiVPO3V/w640-h540/Screenshot_20231024-113550.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now here's a thing. Cllr Kaur has very publicly been supporting the campaign for a separate "Sikh State" called "Khalistan" to secede from India. I was communicating - separately - with two Sikh readers recently who both expressed concern with regard to this. They were anxious to assure me that not all local Sikhs supported the Khalistan idea. </p><p>But now Kaur has sailed to even wilder shores actively supporting Hamas, a proscribed terrorist group in the UK:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMjf6B_15usqj__dXcHdA6s4YuiyZEu8aEJG2AuzD0thrB10u2SLNiEi_lcaFT1o3FgLFsvDhHJPt5zK4g8BPx28teSP-ARuHLNgWTwiBCb703JFxYCvTnRn2FVdCUaJlBOyg36jt88IQ1RSpHoNKrJ-vwQ1NcIPwTbMc-tjF2Ex-m9BQ0jD4OKPlSIjU/s726/kaur%20hamas.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="726" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMjf6B_15usqj__dXcHdA6s4YuiyZEu8aEJG2AuzD0thrB10u2SLNiEi_lcaFT1o3FgLFsvDhHJPt5zK4g8BPx28teSP-ARuHLNgWTwiBCb703JFxYCvTnRn2FVdCUaJlBOyg36jt88IQ1RSpHoNKrJ-vwQ1NcIPwTbMc-tjF2Ex-m9BQ0jD4OKPlSIjU/w640-h164/kaur%20hamas.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Perhaps Sandwell Police should be a bit more circumspect about who they associate with? Or do they endorse Kaur's views?<br /><p><b>Quick updates ...</b></p><p>In my last post (link below) I mentioned that Lal is fighting full disclosure of Matt Huggins's coffee van - alleged bought unseen from eBay. It is believed this is the actual vehicle:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz-Al2xVefg_s4g0E3Ue718Tsuk9XbLusEA9RG4kBWBZdn8a_M7PS2e8qN1uIbvmloKEHnWbmrQg-j3YW-X99CuGydCz8W6CSvQlP__CHegh1K0KP_NWqsWCoQtEESYPgCPNkI45D4unn7xF8trrxBaLh4viOkjFDQ6ULLKru9ov3gUw0caPawZtTTOqW/s1080/Screenshot_2023-10-24-12-22-34-37_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1080" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz-Al2xVefg_s4g0E3Ue718Tsuk9XbLusEA9RG4kBWBZdn8a_M7PS2e8qN1uIbvmloKEHnWbmrQg-j3YW-X99CuGydCz8W6CSvQlP__CHegh1K0KP_NWqsWCoQtEESYPgCPNkI45D4unn7xF8trrxBaLh4viOkjFDQ6ULLKru9ov3gUw0caPawZtTTOqW/w640-h562/Screenshot_2023-10-24-12-22-34-37_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>AND Lal is also preventing disclosure of the letter of complaint bizarrely sent by Surjit Tour to Aileen McColgan KC concerning alleged deficiences in her handling of the McNally case. That has now been referred to the Information Commissioner.</p><p>Same old, same old Sandwell ...</p><p><span style="color: red;">Watch this space for a big story - hopefully at the end of this week plus outrageous behaviour from the local Tory Group ...</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">* </span><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/10/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-next.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/10/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-next.html</a></p><p></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b><span style="background-color: white;"></span></b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-22035534985006230002023-10-13T05:54:00.011-07:002023-10-13T07:05:12.430-07:00The great Sandwell coffee van mystery - plus Lal and KBD<p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">PLEASE NOTE - the Legal Notice attached to all Skidder blogposts has been slightly amended. "Version 4" of the Legal Notice dated 8th October, 2023 is, as ever, shown at the end of each post - including this one - and can I urge all readers to familiarise themselves with the new version below. Thank you.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGxUHG_EGFKb-IjcZasT7VdxAOhK8GioP3Xxq9U4KggSyP7J_wA4TAyRHv6-UrTZZhq2l2QCnzxTdsVuzSvAaTzStUpr7rpcOA6RLh9gcVncqMt5OoJAMmCU67Lx5YfR1565bDlSdOGc24nw3nSi-nVLN6m5L95L1iGBnvi2knMu9U78EoI-wP-X3aT5c/s1080/IMG_20231013_103820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGxUHG_EGFKb-IjcZasT7VdxAOhK8GioP3Xxq9U4KggSyP7J_wA4TAyRHv6-UrTZZhq2l2QCnzxTdsVuzSvAaTzStUpr7rpcOA6RLh9gcVncqMt5OoJAMmCU67Lx5YfR1565bDlSdOGc24nw3nSi-nVLN6m5L95L1iGBnvi2knMu9U78EoI-wP-X3aT5c/w400-h296/IMG_20231013_103820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Shokat Lal acts to protect Huggins</b></p><p>The (relatively) new SMBC Chief Executive is having his first go at running a local authority. Coming in when the Commissioners (lol) are in situ should have made it easier for him to free himself from the sick Sandwell Labour dictatorship. But he (or more particularly, she) who pays the piper calls the tune, and Lal was given a big pay-rise by corrupt Labour over his predecessor, the disgraced David Stevens.</p><p>Lal has lost no time in picking a fight with me (which he obviously assumes is a wise career move) but then that is hardly surprising given his previous association with Sandwell's former weirdo "Leader", the crazed tyrant Steve "Squealing" Eling. The Squealer works, of course, for another basket case Labour Council, Rotherham where a massive sex abuse scandal was exposed involving the Council and local plod. The beleaguered Council brought in Lal, perhaps because of his presumed legal expertise in matters related to RMBC's local difficulty. Here is one of a number of documents showing that the Derbyshire-resident pair worked closely together:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iyT2Q5F7VH3k7kdasyiwfvvTx8DRe3alNz-ckJdB9SJr5xkVpUlAcNvTQvybsXR4hFAXFtBqtfooccSA9Dy2V820o10ksNKnBAn-8JEuLhlYuxWjFenc-2_IHQjmP7k92k60ozz9lZCY9QYq4oXnZc3nZ5qU_6FfvfS5ayP880dXLR7y5CAKDbO5YUL/s1080/IMG_20231013_104614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3iyT2Q5F7VH3k7kdasyiwfvvTx8DRe3alNz-ckJdB9SJr5xkVpUlAcNvTQvybsXR4hFAXFtBqtfooccSA9Dy2V820o10ksNKnBAn-8JEuLhlYuxWjFenc-2_IHQjmP7k92k60ozz9lZCY9QYq4oXnZc3nZ5qU_6FfvfS5ayP880dXLR7y5CAKDbO5YUL/w400-h360/IMG_20231013_104614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>If Lal is suspending his own judgement based on the rantings of Eling and Dim Kez then he must surely be hastening his own downfall?</p><p>Despite his very high salary, Lal has lost no time in going out partying at the taxpayers' expense. Here he is whooping it up at a fake "business awards" event with two of his puppeteers, Labour Cllr's Randhawa and Hughes:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4W1Wb0XKSB_Timzr12_s0j3OhuBSUaiImuxHWr7IDjw4YCtS2Bwtpp_nMwC2XQFHrwul7Goqe5gP2RZ_W-iu1y3XbKFJYvnAvAV_uo7sNymsB6naYa9wiIe17nvMh7jn0TErc-16UFVwxhKUbBLL1PDmCUWIDsFDUGiN4Rd9vDYoSE_6WEbyCJ6cs3k1/s1080/Screenshot_2023-07-07-23-15-37-17_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4W1Wb0XKSB_Timzr12_s0j3OhuBSUaiImuxHWr7IDjw4YCtS2Bwtpp_nMwC2XQFHrwul7Goqe5gP2RZ_W-iu1y3XbKFJYvnAvAV_uo7sNymsB6naYa9wiIe17nvMh7jn0TErc-16UFVwxhKUbBLL1PDmCUWIDsFDUGiN4Rd9vDYoSE_6WEbyCJ6cs3k1/w640-h480/Screenshot_2023-07-07-23-15-37-17_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>[And yes, folks, I do have a Freedom of Information Request in, to see how much WE had to pay for this grotesque charade.]</p><p>Prior to Lal's arrival, Interim Chief Executive Kim Bromley-Derry (who, incredibly, was then made Lead Sandwell commissioner by Michael Gove in a rigged process) began removing swathes of public records from the Council's website. This was done deliberately to hamper journalists and campaigners from digging-up dirt. Despite KBD promise that some of the information would be put back up, it wasn't. Now Lal himself has presided over the launch of a new website with even more documentation deliberately removed. [We are setting up a group to ensure that the Council replaces the missing info - starting with minutes of old Council meetings.] This is absolutely appalling and given "leader" Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael's deterimination to bury the past, one has to suspect that this outrage was a political decision and that Lal is Labour's willing tool.</p><p>In the meantime, The Skidder has been bombarded with calls, texts, messages and even letters about Mr Matthew Huggins and some of the issues raised are ongoing matters. Another tranche of communications was received recently concerning the purchase of a "vintage" coffee van similar to the one pictured above. I duly sent a press enquiry to bent Sandwell.</p><p>Several members of staff had contacted me about this purchase claiming, amongst other things, that it had been purchased on ebay, that it was a heap of sh*te, and that it was supposed to be used around various sites but the Council were struggling to insure it.</p><p>Lal's team claimed that the Council had purchased the van "in accordance with procurement guidelines". It was "primarily" for use at Lightwoods but also for other events and "usage at wedding hire" (the Bride is always latte lol!) The vehicle was specifically chosen - wait for it - because of "its aesthetics aligning with Lightwoods House"! The vehicle was fully functioning and only required some "minor work".</p><p>This is the first time in a decade that bent Labour has ever been concerned with "aesthetics" and, in any event, this is b*llocks.</p><p>I pressed with further questions about the circumstances of the purchase and the insurance but Lal has pulled the plug and forced me to make a Freedom of Information request for further facts. I have, of course, done this but this means Lal has kicked the can down the road (no pun intended) and, even if Labour do not try to use loopholes in the law to prevent disclosure, it is likely to be many months before I can put the replies in the public domain. Lal is also deliberately causing more expense to the public by taking this step. He is playing the same games as disgraced Britton and Stevens. Perhaps this is inexperience or perhaps he thinks he is cleverer than them?</p><p>Incidentally, whilst making the FOIA request I have included queries about the cafe/restaurant at Lightwoods since there are ugly rumours (and I put it no higher than that) of bent Labour trying to do a sweetheart deal to give the new franchise to a crony. We shall see ...</p><p><b>Lal's exodus</b></p><p>I have referred in these posts to the so called LGA (Local Government Association aka Lying Greedy Arseholes) Peer Reviews of bent Sandwell. There have been two in relatively recent times where wrongdoing is brushed under the carpet, or not even mentioned at all, and where some jokers from other councils claim that reform is underway in the bent Borough and that everything in the Sandwell garden will soon be rosy. Lal's arrival was meant to herald a new age of management stability but what has actually happened? TWO directors are out. Gillian Douglas was a short-lived Director of Housing before realising that she was at risk of destroying her career in the corrupt Borough and jumping ship. Even worse - the top finance person, Simone Hines, is on her way. She was the eventual replacement for the useless a***-licker, Darren Carter (Skidders passim ad nauseum), and her post is one of the most important in the Council - so much so that it is a statutory position - s. 151 Officer.</p><p>With the accounting records in disarray at Sandwell, computer system failures and Grant Thornton, the supposedly "independent" auditors, involving themselves in political matters this does not augur well for the Lal era. </p><p>Of course, the one who should be out is still there ... Lal seemingly hasn't got the cojones to lance that poisonous boil.</p><p><b>McNally - Tour "complains" to Leading Counsel</b></p><p>The repercussions of the corruption surrounding the McNally case rumble on (there's more to come folks). Regular readers will know that disgraced former Chief Executive, David Stevens and the highly controversial Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal [sic], Surjit Tour, conspired with Public Health boss, Lisa McNally, to bring an absurd High Court case against me, and to unlawfully fund it with YOUR money. They fell at the first hurdle - costing you £100,000.</p><p>Back in 2018 Tour had instructed Anya Proops KC, of expensive 11KBW Chambers in London, to shaft me. One must assume that Ms Proops gave Tour unpalatable advice as no legal action was issued at that time, although Tour says Proops did say - even before McNally was employed at SMBC - that the Council could legally indemnify employees to bring claims in respect of their personal social media accounts - which, with respect to Leading Counnsel, is, in legal terms, b*llocks. There is more on this on our associated blog dealing with legal matters via the link below, and a brand new post about the Solicitors Regulation Authority's feeble response to the racism disclosed in the Cox Review at bent Sandwell:</p><p><a href="https://rottencouncils.blogspot.com/">https://rottencouncils.blogspot.com/</a><br /></p><p>When Tour and the others cooked up their scheme they decided not to re-instruct Ms Proops but instructed another KC in the same Chambers, Aileen McColgan. We have seen how Tour had Sandwell Legal Department's Daughters of Cain, the now departed Solicitors Maria Price and Julia Lynch (willingly assisted my Vanessa Mahersmith) concoct a ludicrous narrative about my supposed misogyny. McColgan had returned to practice from academe where she wrote extensively about female equality in the workplace and women's human rights (two subjects I am equally anxious to promote). Accordingly she was the perfect choice to "play" Tour's corrupted hand of cards. I have commented elsewhere on McColgan's performance but, of course, McNally's case was struck out at the first opportunity (at considerable financial cost to myself), and at great cost to the taxpayer.</p><p>What happened next would be incredible anywhere other than in bent Labour but it now transpires that Tour wrote a formal letter of complaint to McColgan about her handling of the case - a case where he had personally corrupted the evidence* - along with others!</p><p>You will not be surprised, folks, that Lal is refusing to make the letter public, even with suitable redactions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugrYgztN-MxVP_bJnrUjoMNFK2nmth-eZdsQtCpTtAw6d24P-xkSB-IiNuGyHLTiq0L4fRCwM-jmCNE1aDuzdnYPTydUdbs8yL7L2h9woLQofUVbiOMnl069H56WNVTIs5wlP0PL0xhU3q69H7bN1HzAtZgXePy8rpkyDgUx35S9SIcU7W8eTozhSJBRT/s620/greedy%20NcNally.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="620" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugrYgztN-MxVP_bJnrUjoMNFK2nmth-eZdsQtCpTtAw6d24P-xkSB-IiNuGyHLTiq0L4fRCwM-jmCNE1aDuzdnYPTydUdbs8yL7L2h9woLQofUVbiOMnl069H56WNVTIs5wlP0PL0xhU3q69H7bN1HzAtZgXePy8rpkyDgUx35S9SIcU7W8eTozhSJBRT/w640-h622/greedy%20NcNally.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>Bromley-Derry: another McNally rimmer!</b></p><p>Make way BBC Midlands Today's Nick Owen - your role as McNally's Rimmer-in-Chief is under threat from no less a person that KBD himself. Readers with long memories will remember the comedy gold when McNally failed to mute herself during the all staff Christmas online meeting in 2021 (my post of 5th January, 2002) refers. On the tape "The Mouth of the Mersey" is heard savaging another Council employee, Oliver Knight.</p><p>But a kind soul sent me this astonishing absolution of St Lisa to all staff from KBD himself:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuf72SVS7wDucsxSMiWWe9nwaTS3J15j_3MPOLCCYuPlBqukuvrtYRjGPE2SnhGga2Zv0e-6ZpyqWAJwSRqRtM_GQoFM3YQUKBVHosjkL_xG_qgzA1g3XtNgKZx5b__MWXljTS3vIGEDVIdsiez_YNztu0qDo-NvlJ2NoLd-e85-1CzYc-DNHsp1L-WFv/s1080/Screenshot_2022-07-06-08-30-08-03_6012fa4d4ddec268fc5c7112cbb265e7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="1080" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuf72SVS7wDucsxSMiWWe9nwaTS3J15j_3MPOLCCYuPlBqukuvrtYRjGPE2SnhGga2Zv0e-6ZpyqWAJwSRqRtM_GQoFM3YQUKBVHosjkL_xG_qgzA1g3XtNgKZx5b__MWXljTS3vIGEDVIdsiez_YNztu0qDo-NvlJ2NoLd-e85-1CzYc-DNHsp1L-WFv/w640-h324/Screenshot_2022-07-06-08-30-08-03_6012fa4d4ddec268fc5c7112cbb265e7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Why not listen to the tape again folks and make up your own mind whether Bromley-Derry is pissing down the workforce's legs and telling them it is raining:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eK1xoMRPPRA" width="320" youtube-src-id="eK1xoMRPPRA"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>How is a Government Commissioner allowed to trot this sort of crap out?<br /><p><b>Dying to go to the Park?</b></p><p>Bent Sandwell Labour is destroying green spaces across the Borough but continues to boast about the urban dystopia's "Green Flag" parks. They even put a list up on their website. But three of the "parks" are, er, burial grounds. Yes folks, the crooked comrades have lumped in with their actual parks, Fallings Heath and Tipton cemeteries, and Sandwell Valley Crem. The latter was recently castigated on social media for its tattiness and Tipton Cemetery went national (after a Skidder exclusive) when human remains were left in an open skip for all to see. Just the places to take the kids this weekend - or maybe wait 'til Halloween?</p><p><b>Quote of (last) week</b></p><p>Discussing "a Sandwell resident" last week I was told this: "My mate said he threatened to kick his head in when he caught him giving coke [not the fizzy drink] to his 15 year-old son!" Yet Sandwell Police have been massive rimmers of the resident in question. Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that the person I was talking to was ex-West Midlands Police ... WTF?</p><p><span style="color: red;">PLEASE NOTE THE SKIDDER WILL BE UNABLE TO TAKE CALLS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NEXT WEEK - PLEASE USE TEXT, MESSAGING APPS OR EMAIL IF YOU HAVE A STORY.</span></p><p>* Tour, amongst other things, purported to give evidence himself within the Court documents - rather than as a witness - when he had been directly involved in the conspiracy to bring the case and to get Cllr Maria Crompton to wrongly agree that taxpayers should pay for it.</p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 4 from 8th October, 2023.)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>We may also add hyperlinks or references to content in our associated blogs, “As The Crow Flies!” (at crowmultimedia.blogspot.com) and Rotten Council Governance - Legal Review (at rottencouncils.blogspot.com). Reference to content in those blogs also forms part of the context, meaning of, and justification for, contents in this blog.</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to remove offending material and/or publish appropriate corrections forthwith (together with an apology, if applicable).</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the malicious activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com, on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable. We can also publish “guest” posts on mutually agreed terms.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-38348797351326045442023-10-03T07:30:00.020-07:002023-10-05T01:17:57.284-07:00Lion Farm Fraud: Moore of the same + er, more<div><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Warning - this post contains an unpleasant image placed on social media by a British Member of Parliament.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b>Bent Labour STILL trying to push through fraudulent Lion Farm deal</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>If an option to turn a massive green space into a retail park is "so brilliant" why are bent Sandwell Labour still trying to get a Tory donor developer to finalise a deal after 11 years? I have written extensively about the corruption surrounding Labour's plot to destroy Lion Farm Fields and am not going to repeat myself here save to say that I have raised this again with West Midlands Police. A senior officer met with me and said WMP "might" consider looking at alleged "economic crimes" in relation to Lion Farm and - apparently - other deals done with Jeremy Knight Adams, a major Tory Party donor. Alas, they have not come back to me ... yet!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in 2012 retail was booming yet the transaction could not be completed. Now the industry is on its knees and yet Labour are still trying to do the damaging deal. The Labour "leader", proven liar Kerrie Carmichael, has continued to try to force a deal through and, yet again, this is all being done secretly. This is deliberate to try to ensure there is no judicial review application to the High Court, and it is astonishing that this is being allowed when Government Commissioners are in charge of the Council with a brief to halt the Labour corruption!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcJ_BiOY1TblrkJ3fKD_rol713N7R-HpofiSAnTCQPZkE2k84Cfw2NqbklC9PyfQgL4gE0hkRMPkXT3-LOxzApE73rDGjNQRXoql5h_7MV2Kt1aFpbctM7qXm2MqvK6TfN64K5Fudyzx9XA8Li5bLga2wCxcuzmA6BEyF2phikfQTmAZjnYWUyJ6h2jOw/s747/zombomeme23032020182015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcJ_BiOY1TblrkJ3fKD_rol713N7R-HpofiSAnTCQPZkE2k84Cfw2NqbklC9PyfQgL4gE0hkRMPkXT3-LOxzApE73rDGjNQRXoql5h_7MV2Kt1aFpbctM7qXm2MqvK6TfN64K5Fudyzx9XA8Li5bLga2wCxcuzmA6BEyF2phikfQTmAZjnYWUyJ6h2jOw/w394-h400/zombomeme23032020182015.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br /><div>The proposed destruction of the Fields is to be discussed again on Thursday - bizarrely by the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management [sic] Board. This suggests that some sort of deal has already been done, but how can this be subject to "scrutiny" in, er, secret. Yes folks, the public and press are excluded from this part of the meeting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Darryl Magher has been to a number of recent meetings when no Tories have turned up but it is to be hoped that someone will attend this one and ask what the hell is going on? Labour cannot claim "commercial confidentiality" when doing a sweetheart deal with the Tory donor to the exclusion of the rest of the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another matter arises in that pathetic Labour Councillor Paul "The Cipher" Moore is supposed to be chairing the meeting on Thursday when he has been trying to push this bent deal through right from the off. I wrote to The Cipher - copying in "Dim Kez", Tory Leader Dave Fisher, and the Commissioners - but have received no response. Here is the email:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It is truly incredible given your past history that you are on any scrutiny boards let alone chairing one. However, a specific point arises in connection with the secret (and bent) deal to destroy Lion Farm Fields which you have strongly supported for 10 years.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The bent deal is still, incredibly, being considered by Labour but, once again, everything is being hidden from public view (so much for scrutiny!) However, I understand that an agenda item dealing with the bent deal is before the Scrutiny Committee you "chair" on 5th October - with the press and public inevitably excluded again.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Please confirm within 48 hours that you will recuse yourself from the meeting when this agenda item is dealt with noting your past determination to support the bent deal (for whatever reason you have). More particularly, you were present at the appalling Cabinet meeting of 9th January, 2013 when you and your colleagues received the unlawful report of the inquorate AMLD meeting of 19th December, 2012. You and your colleagues at the meeting acted in a disgraceful and shameful way, dealing with a very full agenda - including the massive Lion Farm option - in just TWO minutes!. This gross negligence by the Committee led directly to the corrupt First Option being forced through.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>To pile Pelion upon Ossa you personally presented the absurd and disgraceful "report" of Alison Knight to a meeting on 15th November, 2017 when you knew - or certainly should have known - that this was not an objective report in any way. Indeed it later transpired that Knight's nonsense had not been prepared from any research by her but from information coming from the property developer himself. Nevertheless you put your name to it as you have been so determined to destroy this 19 ha green space for a decade).</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>There will inevitably be legal action if Labour continues to force through this bent deal through on, at least, the grounds of irrationality and so I also respectfully suggest that your presence when this agenda item is discussed will be grist to the lawyer's mill.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Incidentally, I do not believe any of the Conservative opposition at the Council have bothered to talk to Dudley Council about the reasons why it ditched this same developer from a major project in that Borough. I have - and maybe you and your colleagues should too.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Please reply by 10.25 am Thursday, 28th September at the latest."</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6J5vmzy_IJYbFq6iytRoxepewzvOxZ1Q9VkMDUTbchuv58aQHpa9-W-tYON4EsVGB9_MvoHbH-kONTepGkJTcYs6ABB4qYon7WgKV08o_PAccuAiGvjMo2GaVpuNeh1we3h0qmw6u81IF5F1CsAQy6iKxYdCSgTjy9gEhn8EGHAdifYDeH3RPURxji-I/s1156/paulmoorememe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6J5vmzy_IJYbFq6iytRoxepewzvOxZ1Q9VkMDUTbchuv58aQHpa9-W-tYON4EsVGB9_MvoHbH-kONTepGkJTcYs6ABB4qYon7WgKV08o_PAccuAiGvjMo2GaVpuNeh1we3h0qmw6u81IF5F1CsAQy6iKxYdCSgTjy9gEhn8EGHAdifYDeH3RPURxji-I/w264-h640/paulmoorememe.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br />This blog recently exposed that not only did bent Labour do the bent Lion Farm deal with Shite Adams but also flogged him and his wife the old Council offices at Stone Cross in 2013. In corrrespondence recently seen by The Skidder the disgraced former Chief Executive, Jan Britton, also claimed the Council may have flogged him land in Tipton. Maggie Knight Adams is involved in many of the network of companies her husband operates and is specifically a Director of Alpha (Stonecross) Limited - the Company directly involved in the Stone Cross deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>No wonder Malvern Millionairess Mags is smiling knowing that Dim Kez, Bob Piper, corrupt liar Hackett and Paul Moore are so anxious to help her and her husband amass yet more riches, and to p*ss on the people of Sandwell at the same time!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw__zRbFhpJq1nNUyX2vGB4mRwkwr1gD4Hc01MjEavNe0VbQsKTCkMYPI3XhyphenhyphenToRNSQN-zstDX6uJUcGTB_1xaYKlrLhFL6mqVSDJNW1BCgYMHor8jeiieij7IMls9uqzjBJUhnFw8aunnPdyw71VVw8Ke5aaa_uVjs1klWbwV3eg5U-1yA6wdKmYGrMl/s484/Screenshot_2023-04-14-14-22-14-91_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="212" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw__zRbFhpJq1nNUyX2vGB4mRwkwr1gD4Hc01MjEavNe0VbQsKTCkMYPI3XhyphenhyphenToRNSQN-zstDX6uJUcGTB_1xaYKlrLhFL6mqVSDJNW1BCgYMHor8jeiieij7IMls9uqzjBJUhnFw8aunnPdyw71VVw8Ke5aaa_uVjs1klWbwV3eg5U-1yA6wdKmYGrMl/w280-h640/Screenshot_2023-04-14-14-22-14-91_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Concealment of Addresses</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In my post "Come on Sandwell Folk - soil yourselves again!" of 2nd May, 2023 I mentioned that 23 of the 24 Conservative Councillors deliberately concealed their addresses from voters in the May elections and 20 out of 24 Labour ones did the same. I have now established with definitive proof that one of the Tory candidates had good reason to lie when claiming to "live in Sandwell" as s/he, er, doesn't. </div><div><br /></div><div>More on this subject soon ...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Vile image right up Andy's street?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Immigration is a serious issue. Many of today's senior Labour Councillors were fully supportive of the late wifebeater "Dickhead" Darren Cooper's "f*ck off" message to the desperate Syrians fleeing a murderous civil war. How times change. Now "the Left" wish to provide refuge for anyone who has the money to pay smugglers to ferry them across the Channel. Whilst some of these folk are undoubtedly genuine refugees, others are economic migrants who, due to Brexit and our poor relationship with the rest of Europe, Britain is unable to immediately deport.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are very real and difficult questions surrounding immigration not least of which is the pressure on our already creaking NHS and other public services. But anyone who wishes to engage in any sort of sensible debate about this is accused by the lunatic "Left" of being "racist". There is no doubt that there <u>was</u> plenty of racism and xenophobia in Sandwell's decisive vote to leave the EU, but the simple fact is that our Country's economy needs <u>more</u> migrants to prosper. And, when all said and done, we are still a rich country and need to give some of the "huddled masses" a helping hand for purely humanitarian reasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>But bent Sandwell Labour seemingly wants unlimited and unrestricted entry now for whoever arrives here - legally or otherwise - and the comrades are now bragging of being a "Borough of Sanctuary". Needless to say all the pro-Labour "charities" and other stooge organisations are holding out the begging bowls to grab their share of the taxpayers' money on offer. It seems to me to be cruel and unusual punishment to force asylum seekers to live in sh*thole Sadders, but there we are. Dickhead Daz must be spinning in his grave!</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Conservative MP, Michael Fabricant, put up an absolutely appalling image in respect of the refugee crisis which includes someone urinating and an apparently dead body hanging beneath an "EgyptAir" jet (leaving no doubt that the Middle East and North Africa is where Mr Syrup thinks many of the asylum-seekers are coming from):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5Q3pH9MueN4hu3XhFm6m_cAZ5-OQeg6jUMDxnaLAOiWLNwygFmgGzKo50zyL2yzsTULDIh9vmIsbRP3KHU67BPc881FbsenwYTgajW8j-9aVwxoYmGUD6nO1M2RZJUftS5Wxn92vTTN6BqIXw1cxyMtCtDHHYLFyjOC6RPRo2efzZZfLWpt2oXG1we9p/s1365/IMG_20230814_173321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5Q3pH9MueN4hu3XhFm6m_cAZ5-OQeg6jUMDxnaLAOiWLNwygFmgGzKo50zyL2yzsTULDIh9vmIsbRP3KHU67BPc881FbsenwYTgajW8j-9aVwxoYmGUD6nO1M2RZJUftS5Wxn92vTTN6BqIXw1cxyMtCtDHHYLFyjOC6RPRo2efzZZfLWpt2oXG1we9p/w506-h640/IMG_20230814_173321.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course our West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, is a close friend of Fabricant and, at least until recent times, co-owned a property with him. I asked Mr Street whether this Tweet accurately reflected his own take on the immigration issue as WM Mayor and he specifically had his press officer contact me to say, er, "no comment"! WTF?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hackett at the bus stop lol!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Corrupt liar Cllr Simon "The Sandwell Slasher" Hackett has been commenting adversely on Sandwell bus services. And the other day he demanded an investigation by Transport WM when the number 40 Diamond Bus drove straight past his bus stop. Perhaps Diamond knew of Hackett's infamous history when he was caught urinating in a bus shelter and decided they didn't want The Slasher on their nice bus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unsurprisingly his whinge was reposted on X (formerly known as retweeting on Twitter ) by his little rimmer at the Wolvo C*cksuckers, "priapic" pisshead propagandist, Adam Smith, on his "Star Reporter" account. Big news!</div><div><br /></div><div>Incidentally, I still cannot bring you the final instalment on the thousands Hackett had shafted the taxpayer for with his lies since the Council has not yet settled the costs of the second civil case it lost trying to cover-up his wrongdoing. But the truth will out soon ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_Q2qPd771iDXVBpldR10g3rGMgVb4Dnra1xB_5QupIIp8wT-gDiS2oxlpwDFalPjtv9F5bGtOStegiiUdE58Huq4K477HIC0BDoqGvkQva7jeDPbi5a21uFuzDKazG5b6hFBNZuMFOGDYqHrDBmtXYp9I6u4XWPT0LwrPYvoIIVBEf9V97Dil3cg-Be3/s1080/hacketturinal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1080" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_Q2qPd771iDXVBpldR10g3rGMgVb4Dnra1xB_5QupIIp8wT-gDiS2oxlpwDFalPjtv9F5bGtOStegiiUdE58Huq4K477HIC0BDoqGvkQva7jeDPbi5a21uFuzDKazG5b6hFBNZuMFOGDYqHrDBmtXYp9I6u4XWPT0LwrPYvoIIVBEf9V97Dil3cg-Be3/w640-h476/hacketturinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Runaway Nicola and the Baggies</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>It is customary for all local politicians to pay homage to my own favoured team, and the Tories have been in overdrive trying to "save" The Baggies. Let us hope they put as much effort into saving Lion Farm Fields although most of you will know that local MP, Nicola Richards, is running away from West Brom East in search of a safer seat - what is popularly known locally as "doing a Watson" (although his new perch is ermine-lined).</div><div><br /></div><div>Bizarrely, Nicola has taken to the media to praise the role of WBA's managing director, Mark Miles, in takeover talks. That would presumably be the same WBA director Mark Miles who was appointed as a Trustee of The Albion Foundation on 12th March, 2018 when (a) his employer WBA were plundering "their" charity for large sums, and (b) the Trustees signed off incorrect later accounts which then had to be rectified. Hardly a glowing endorsement of his skills or his ability to detect conflicts of interest? Nicola should know about all this. Whilst she wasn't involved in the matters this blog has exposed she has, herself, been a Trustee since July, 2020. I have as little confidence in Mr Miles as Nicola has in winning WBE again.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BSF - B for Bloody; S for Stupid; F for Fool</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>There is nothing bent Sandwell Labour likes more than going back and sniffing its old turds. For those thinking of voting Labour remember their absolutely disastrous runaway expenditure on Private Finance Initiatives when it paid huge sums for infrastructure and then eye-watering sums for maintenance for, typically, 30 years. These contracts included bizarre expenses such as payments of over £100 to change a light bulb. Needless to say, banks, financiers and long-term contract winners usually coined-it at the expense of us taxpayers.</div><div><br /></div><div>One such scheme was the ruinously expensive "Building Schools for the Future or BSF" scheme. Naturally bent Sandwell Labour loved the idea of getting the instant kudos for opening new school buildings whilst the taxpayer was shafted for three decades. This is how Private Eye Magazine recently described the BSF:</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"This imposed huge extra costs and often produced less than ideal infrastructure. An industry of consultants and bankers grew-up around it adding yet more layers of public-private partnership ...., and even more cost. Few argued with [then] education secretary Michael Gove when he scrapped BSF ..."</i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">One of the "few" who did argue was bent Labour Sandwell. Long ago this blog described how a handful of councils started legal action to reverse Gove's decision. Corrupt and incompetent Sandwell joined the legal action after the deadline had passed but the Judge allowed them to continue with the others whose legal departments had managed to start the proceedings on time. Soon there were photos of Jan Britton and sundry Labour Councillors celebrating a great "victory" over Gove outside the Oldbury Kremlin. But as with most of the utterances of these sleaze merchants they were talking b*llocks. The Court had not overruled the abolition of the scheme as some in Sandwell Labour claimed at the time but effectively ordered that the Government reconsider how the abolition of the scheme was to be implemented more carefully. Gove went ahead with the abolition, with a watered-down scheme in its place.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">The BSF was dead but bent Sandwell Labour used it anyway in the corrupt deal to destroy The Public. They claimed that they could simply gift a £6 million contract to their pals at Interserve without having to put it out to tender, under the BSF "framework". Whilst I pointed this corruption out at the time no-one had the b*lls or, more importantly, the money to challenge any of this in Court.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Given how PFI deals have been shown-up as a complete disaster (eg. the new Sandwell Hospital) only a moron would mourn their passing. Many councils elsewhere are trying to buy themselves out of the contracts to try to save money. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">But there's always one isn't there? Step forward none-other than Dim Kez who has taken to social media to complain that the mouldy concrete Wood Green Academy 'would have been rebuilt under "Labour's Building Schools for the Future programme"'. What a BSF ...</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Help Please?</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Getting reports that anti-business Sandwell Labour are causing parking problems for firms in Oldbury? Any more on this anyone?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI6BrorJVYVc9HN0tRuOfXkAvyS2k8VdIS9PZKwC71mYzjmjWpOAsALuiLd42Q1lCPav1iZuhYUU7cafAVE9OGMVcxV85l5GLYJfPsvQ-n0AD1rjB1mcDH94QykMTw4DoWlGSvTzE8_r1HMaowPbHg1axyZbD2LMhgt_Hin1n2LfG_jgUXOfZbA11fygM/s1079/IMG_20230928_114042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1079" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI6BrorJVYVc9HN0tRuOfXkAvyS2k8VdIS9PZKwC71mYzjmjWpOAsALuiLd42Q1lCPav1iZuhYUU7cafAVE9OGMVcxV85l5GLYJfPsvQ-n0AD1rjB1mcDH94QykMTw4DoWlGSvTzE8_r1HMaowPbHg1axyZbD2LMhgt_Hin1n2LfG_jgUXOfZbA11fygM/w640-h438/IMG_20230928_114042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></div><div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b></div><div><b>use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></div></div><div><br /></div></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-80145970903017068292023-09-28T03:22:00.020-07:002023-09-28T03:42:42.116-07:00The All-New Hi-Tech Skidder (Not quite yet ...)MAJOR NEWS! THE SKIDDER BLOG HAS EXCEEDED TWO AND A HALF MILLION VIEWS!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXcgihjnne4NSflnd2inB6o9wpxJbXIxI3MXkI7Ggn0IhlZ5nt40epP24OeMyngICcJfoBETWPO9fmrkeMFccm5XrLE6jqVkLA3u7phnDBlfwVjVSmUbNK7hKBWsmFQjw616VHy7omE0QfKPOQYbERe06tRLlDKoYkyZQILn4PE1BOHKblaX70c7g7JlQ/s1079/IMG_20230928_114042.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1079" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXcgihjnne4NSflnd2inB6o9wpxJbXIxI3MXkI7Ggn0IhlZ5nt40epP24OeMyngICcJfoBETWPO9fmrkeMFccm5XrLE6jqVkLA3u7phnDBlfwVjVSmUbNK7hKBWsmFQjw616VHy7omE0QfKPOQYbERe06tRLlDKoYkyZQILn4PE1BOHKblaX70c7g7JlQ/s400/IMG_20230928_114042.jpg"/></a></div>
Despite the death threats, threats of extreme violence, threats to burn my house down, SLAPP Litigation, trolling, harassment by The Labour Party and West Midlands Police, and an acquittal after an absurd prosecution, The Skidder battles onwards and downwards lol.<p></p><p>Most readers will know that the diligent work of local Community Activist, Darryl Magher, often features here and his support over the last few years has been unstinting. I am also indebted to a couple of other folk who have helped be my "eyes and ears" but who wish to remain anonymous - love ya. Next to thank are the informants - some of whom are within bent Labour and the corrupt Council but have shown considerable bravery in "blowing the whistle". Finally, of course, there is my long-suffering wife, Linda. Early on she faced direct harassment herself simply because she was married to me. This included the late wifebeater, Darren Cooper, and his secretary Jane Perham, sending letters to my wife's (then) employers trying to get her sacked from her job simply because of what I was writing! Well-known charities where she was an (unpaid) trustee were also bombarded with scurrilous social media of the vilest kind - which West Midlands Police and West Mercia Police deemed to be perfectly ok. [For the record, Linda has NEVER seen any of my posts before they were published.]</p><p>To celebrate the passing of this milestone I thought it would be fun to have a blog post written by artificial intelligence [sic] and duly asked ChatGPT to write a post in the style of The Skidder. Given my output I expected a work replete with some of my favourite words from this blog - "bent Sandwell Labour"; "corruption, cronyism and incompetence"; "Squealing Eling"; "Dim Kez"; "metaphorical masturbator" and, of course, the infamous "rimmer". But computer said "no" and wrote an article instead about me and extreme sports! Since my principal physical activity is lifting pints of beer to my lips and, apart from football and a bit of cricket, I don't follow any sports - let alone extreme ones - this is all rather curious (although I do often indulge in the game of dog-sh*t hopscotch in the t*rd-smeared streets of Sadders). For all the hype that AI is taking over the world it seems that there is still room for my rapidly dwindling supply of grey cells, at least for the time being ...</p><p>Some bits of the AI-generated post I like. I am pleased that I "emerged as a trailblazer" capable of "audacious feats". I didn't actually know that I had a "philosophy" but like to think I do "defy the ordinary". Curiously I do go where the mainstream media are too weak and craven to, and this seems to be stuck somewhere in "the cloud". There is also a DIY ethos about The Skidder (and I do not refer here to Cllr Tipper's penchant for filming himself masturbating) with me and a small team producing this blog with very small resources (see further below) whereas the BBC, Wolvo C*suckers, Birmingham Mail et al have the dosh but due to bias and ineptitude seldom "break" Sandwell stories. If you want Sandwell exclusives - Read The Skidder, Kidder!</p><p>Curiously, my AI author has picked up my lifelong history of epic failure although I am not sure that there is a positive spin to this! I am also capable of "antics" and making a "spectacle" of myself. People often comment on my "stunts" - at least I think that's the word they use ...</p><p>I am notoriously afraid of heights and so have no plans to throw myself off cliffs etc. although I do see myself as a "rebel without a clue" battling the mundane and, more specifically, bent Sandwell Labour and its cronies.</p><p>Here is the AI article:</p><p><b>Title: "Unleashing the Fury: The Sandwell Skidder's Take on Extreme Sports"</b></p><p>Introduction</p><p>In the realm of extreme sports, where adrenaline junkies thrive and the pursuit of thrill knows no bounds, the Sandwell Skidder has emerged as a trailblazer, defying conventional norms and setting new benchmarks for audacious feats. In this article, we delve into the world of the Sandwell Skidder, a unique voice in extreme sports culture, to explore the essence of their daring pursuits and what drives them to push the envelope.</p><p>The Philosophy of the Skidder</p><p>The Sandwell Skidder, an enigmatic figure in the world of extreme sports, has a philosophy that revolves around one simple principle: defy the ordinary. Unlike mainstream extreme sports athletes who focus on well-established disciplines like snowboarding, skateboarding, or base jumping, the Skidder finds their thrill in the unconventional. From downhill shopping cart racing to cliff diving with a twist, their pursuits are as wild and unpredictable as the wind.</p><p>Risk and Reward</p><p>For the Sandwell Skidder, risk is not merely a concept; it's a way of life. They embrace danger with open arms and a fearless heart. Whether it's tackling treacherous terrains on a homemade contraption or attempting a stunt that defies the laws of physics, the Skidder knows that the greater the risk, the sweeter the reward. It's not about fame or fortune; it's about the personal triumph over fear and uncertainty.</p><p>A DIY Mentality</p><p>The Skidder community takes pride in their DIY ethos. They build their own rigs, contraptions, and equipment, often with limited resources and a healthy dose of ingenuity. This hands-on approach not only adds an element of unpredictability to their adventures but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among like-minded thrill-seekers. The Skidder's workshop is a hub of creativity, where imagination runs wild, and the boundaries of what's possible are constantly pushed.</p><p>Embracing Failure</p><p>Failure is an integral part of the Skidder's journey. For every jaw-dropping success, there are countless crashes, tumbles, and near-misses. But failure is not seen as a setback; rather, it's a stepping stone towards improvement. Each wipeout is a lesson learned, a badge of honor earned. The Skidder community celebrates the resilience to get back up, dust themselves off, and tackle the challenge anew.</p><p>The Spectacle of the Skidder</p><p>Perhaps what sets the Sandwell Skidder apart from other extreme sports enthusiasts is their flair for the theatrical. Every stunt is a spectacle, an event to be witnessed and remembered. Whether it's staging an impromptu race down a steep hill or executing a death-defying jump off a cliff, the Skidder's antics captivate onlookers and leave them in awe</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The Sandwell Skidder is more than just an extreme sports enthusiast; they are a symbol of rebellion against the mundane, a testament to the human spirit's unquenchable thirst for adventure. With their philosophy of defying the ordinary, embracing risk, and celebrating the unconventional, the Skidder community has carved a niche in the world of extreme sports, reminding us all that there are no limits to what we can achieve when we dare to dream, defy the odds, and embrace the unknown. So, the next time you see a shopping cart hurtling down a hill or a daredevil plunging off a cliff with a homemade wingsuit, remember the Sandwell Skidder and the audacity that defines their thrilling world.</p><p>End.</p><p><b>Thanks for the recent donations. If you would like to contribute to a real person churning out Sandwell news rather than Express and Star clickbait or AI garbage please consider a small donation. There is a yellow donation button on the right-hand side of this post (although if you are reading this on a mobile phone you need to click through to the web version to find it.)</b></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Coming soon - bent Sandwell Labour are STILL trying to force the bent Lion Farm Fields deal through and to destroy 19 ha of green space ...</span></p><p><b>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></p><p><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></p><p><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></p><p><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></p><p><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></p><p><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></p><p><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b><b>use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></p><p></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-38863221069279113232023-09-06T01:03:00.010-07:002023-09-06T01:26:01.596-07:00A Letter to Sandwell Tories - Bent Imo Deal<p>I am writing this in haste but not much further comment is necessary and you can see for yourselves the failure of the Tory Group of Councillors to act in respect of the Imogen Walker scandal (Skidders passim).</p><p><b>Email to all ten Sandwell Conservative Cllrs - 5th June, 2024 (partially redacted)</b></p><p><i>"Greetings all,</i></p><p><i>xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</i></p><p><i>I am concerned that myself (and Darryl) keep digging stuff up but you guys are not picking-up on it. I spent months on the Imogen Walker situation but - unless you have done something privately behind the scenes - you collectively appear to have done nothing about it.</i></p><p><i>I am going to send you - during the coming weeks - some suggested motions which you may care to put in at full Council. I will be sending them in Word so that you can alter them if you so wish but if you are not going to use them I do expect to be told the reason why not (within 14 days).</i></p><p><i>I really do think you need to be taking the political battle to Labour. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</i></p><p><i>You have a bigger group now and I wish you all well for the battles ahead.</i></p><p><i>Jules"</i></p><p><b>+ Proposed Notice of Motion - Head of Leader's Office</b></p><p>"I move that the Chief Executive abolishes the post of Head of the Leader’s Office/Interim Head of Leader’s Office forthwith.</p><p>Submission</p><p>This Council has managed until recent times without a highly paid “Head of the Leader’s Office”. This post was specially created due to the inexperience and ineptitude of former Labour Leader, Rajbir Singh. The current Leader has retained the post for reasons which are opaque.</p><p>The Council has admitted via the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that the creation of an Interim Head of the Leader’s Office did not follow any or any proper Council procedure. </p><p>Further the purported use of Delegated Authority by the former Interim Chief Executive was unrecorded and unlawful. There are also very grave concerns about the nature of the appointment of the present incumbent - who lives in Scotland - and who was selected without a competitive process.</p><p>This Council has a colossal staff budget and this year - again - the Leader has raised Council Tax by the maximum permitted. Local people can ill-afford further high payments relating to a post which is both meaningless and unnecessary.</p><p>The Interim Post was secretly created to deliberately avoid proper SMBC recruitment procedures and other employment law such as the Equality Act. As the present incumbent has been in post since August, 2021 the appointment stretches the meaning of “Interim”. There is no written contract with the present incumbent and she has chosen to work on a self-employed basis. Accordingly, her position can be terminated forthwith with minimal further costs to the taxpayer."</p><p><b>I added this for the Tory Group:</b></p><p>Political Considerations</p><p>This Motion picks up on the extensive work I have done to flush out the facts about this appointment. It will force Dim Kez, or her nominated patsy, to “defend the indefensible”. </p><p>If the response is that this person is somehow “needed” there is an opportunity to say that Dim Kez is not up to the job of Leader, and to attack the expense involved.</p><p>This appointment is bent and Imogen Walker is a Starmer crony. I am told she has been trying for a Labour parliamentary seat in Scotland (although I hear she may have been rejected in one constituency). It would be further embarrassing for Labour if this motion goes in and it transpires that she is indeed hunting for a seat.</p><p>Of course, I am happy to discuss this with any Councillor putting this motion in.</p><p>Please respond by 5pm 20th June.</p><p>Jules"</p><p><b>But Walker IS now the candidate for the Scottish seat of Hamilton and Clyde Valley! Inevitable as a Starmer crony!</b></p><p><b>And the Tory Response?</b></p><p>Absolutely zilch. I duly wrote to them all again on 21st August, 2023:</p><div><i>"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I wrote to you all on 5th June, 2023 about Walker. Not one of you has had the courtesy to reply - something which will be mentioned in the blog this week.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Is Walker still employed by SMBC or not. If not, when did she leave?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Unhappy Jules."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>This prompted one Conservative Cllr to say s/he "thought" Walker was still f*cking over Sandwell from her Scottish lair, but added nothing else.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually Tory Group Leader, Cllr David Fisher, responded to say that (a) I should have sent a polite reminder to the ten rather than "an attack", and (worse) (b) that he did not know whether Walker is still employed by the Council or not." My response was a succinct "WTF?"</div><div><br /></div><div>WTF? indeed!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65-a6QXHWdHKeQV6kpByrMeGBiGSIT8kogwIlK1enq628EoNqG-rkT6fklJm2GPsMHE_Pu2Fb910wTGoYYrn3MPh_IKRC0Tro0BCTBK49WNT4gvwTiBFR6YpDGKbkZvtsRH3iButbu5iWD3u3iyFhbPFk7uLQKb-YKJK2Z_EI41R_yOQUExbU-cYri6Jk/s1405/so%20poor%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65-a6QXHWdHKeQV6kpByrMeGBiGSIT8kogwIlK1enq628EoNqG-rkT6fklJm2GPsMHE_Pu2Fb910wTGoYYrn3MPh_IKRC0Tro0BCTBK49WNT4gvwTiBFR6YpDGKbkZvtsRH3iButbu5iWD3u3iyFhbPFk7uLQKb-YKJK2Z_EI41R_yOQUExbU-cYri6Jk/w492-h640/so%20poor%20.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-35852233087982256492023-08-26T04:18:00.013-07:002023-08-26T22:38:34.678-07:00 Two Sandwell Council workers caged after major drugs bust<p>At Wolvo Crown Court on Friday, 25th August 2023 Billy Hayre and Sundeep Rai, in charge of bent Sandwell's "Prison Pilot" scheme were themselves sentenced to 12 years jail each after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESL5604GgaQg62At-8aCBqtZfL46dJJUpoj2jhnDoMzsstdr-Mf3qICTx_pEGFoXAR_fZfRLWJyw5rnh7yTKmr30hdu3VfumSBjTW8F6i2fsssgLUcmKAj1FZNz1fYQ1qsKXoLT3I4M1kw0hx5yq4G1VoT26eVx6ftJn0KEVqaplc_bybBUE-b2I4I8Ag/s1755/IMG_20230707_125516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="1755" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESL5604GgaQg62At-8aCBqtZfL46dJJUpoj2jhnDoMzsstdr-Mf3qICTx_pEGFoXAR_fZfRLWJyw5rnh7yTKmr30hdu3VfumSBjTW8F6i2fsssgLUcmKAj1FZNz1fYQ1qsKXoLT3I4M1kw0hx5yq4G1VoT26eVx6ftJn0KEVqaplc_bybBUE-b2I4I8Ag/w400-h58/IMG_20230707_125516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the time of the offences the pair were employed at SMBC dealing with "Complex needs cases" in the bent Labour Council's "Housing Solutions Teams". This brought the self-confessed drugs suppliers into daily contact with ex-offenders and vulnerable adults. Hayre conducted his out of office visits in an Audi whilst Rai used two Mercedes cars in his relatively low paid post. It has to be said, having heard these morons give evidence, that it is difficult to see how they would even have been given jobs cleaning lavatories at the corrupt Council.</p><p>Regular readers will know that many employees at the contaminated Council have such cushy numbers that they also have outside jobs, and I have started a separate "rolling" blog on that subject:</p><p><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/07/sandwell-council-rolling-log-of.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/07/sandwell-council-rolling-log-of.html</a><br /></p><p>Curiously the disgraced former Chief Executive, Jan Britton, was unconcerned by this particularly, it seems, when it came to male employees with Asian heritage. He wrote this is a top secret letter to the supposedly independent external investigator preparing the infamous Wragge Report:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9KjrA3oBBAXkrCnexY0Ryx1gusUW2KQ9POztIkcWeAZoJbN02lg3r713ONsfIUoJH0dWeiXPj849IEhI5OOgp5cWL4w9bRHKiAI9pBzuzDZ8Nc4lNFcElBGaIOg3SIm9FI2PUtbYcymKIMyWXfx-CoiWenXI96wAxdsp3oVdrlyRjs9bL2ML_IGG-0eU/s2999/IMG_20230808_150210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="2999" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9KjrA3oBBAXkrCnexY0Ryx1gusUW2KQ9POztIkcWeAZoJbN02lg3r713ONsfIUoJH0dWeiXPj849IEhI5OOgp5cWL4w9bRHKiAI9pBzuzDZ8Nc4lNFcElBGaIOg3SIm9FI2PUtbYcymKIMyWXfx-CoiWenXI96wAxdsp3oVdrlyRjs9bL2ML_IGG-0eU/w400-h134/IMG_20230808_150210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>[Britton was referring here to Azeem Hafeez - Skidders passim ad nauseum - who is currently the lucky recipient of multi-million pound SEND transport contracts from the bent Borough.]</p><p>Hayre, of Keyworth Close, Tipton and an address in Great Barr, had run a Company called Avasa Care Limited and still runs a Company called Avasa Training & Education Ltd which appears never to have traded but may have given Hayre access to an all important business bank account. Rai ran a Company with the wonderful name, for a Coke supplier, of Inline Distribution Limited which has been, er, dissolved together with another defunct Company called Eclipse Supplies Limited. He still runs Elite Direct Limited. Elite had been run as a dormant company from a West Bromwich address since 2019 - but which, again, may have furnished Rai with access to a business bank account.</p><p>Hayre also set up a "charitable" company, Avasa for People CIC, which has yet to file any accounts. </p><p>As we shall see, the evidence of these criminals in Court was risible. Rai claimed that he was in debt and so tried to make money wheeling and dealing in "cars, vans, fruit and veg, soft drinks and building materials" in addition to his undemanding day job at bent Sandwell. Even if this is remotely true he was clearly not paying the money into his Company, Elite Direct, which he specifically set up for the purpose of "non-specialised wholesale trade" as the Company is "dormant".</p><p>I was only alerted to this case - by some of the few Sandwell staff who still have, metaphorical, balls - after this pair had pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges and so the evidence that came out in the sentencing process was more limited than that which one would have heard at a full trial. Nevertheless it was an eye-opener.</p><p>Sandwell Council sources told The Skidder that Rai "hero-worshipped" Hayre and was in his thrall. It is said Rai would not know which hand to wipe his arse with unless Hayre told him. As we shall see, this was not the evidence given in Court where Rai sought to exonerate his colleague and take the whole blame himself, claiming that it was him who "controlled" Hayre.</p><p>There were three aspects to the case: (1) The importation of 31 kg of cocaine and 32 kg of methamphetamine from Mexico in a laser-cutting machine, (2) the suspected importation of a very large quantity of drugs in a consignment of Colombian bananas, and (3) the discovery of drugs and drug-dealing paraphernalia at a Sandwell address rented in the names of Rai and his wife. (In respect of the latter the landlords were completely innocent of any involvement in all this.)</p><p>The Court heard that the laser-cutting machine arrived at Heathrow Airport from Mexico and the UK Border Force found 31kg of coke plus the meth stashed inside the machine. They removed this and alerted the National Crime Agency (NCA) which let the machine continue on its way under surveillance. The machine was meant to go to an address in Central London but was diverted to a unit in Greets Green. In short, Hayre and Rai were in communication with the (wholly innocent) couriers and attended the unit to unload and store the machine - in Council works time (the pair had been at a meeting with "clients" just beforehand!) The NCA kept the unit under 24-hour surveillance.</p><p>A couple of days later a cargo of bananas arrived at Southampton docks from Colombia. Once again this was destined for Central London but was diverted to Tasker Street, West Bromwich. The NCA noticed that, unusually, the lorry was not refrigerated (Rai claimed in Court that the lorry was refrigerated but that the driver must "somehow" have accidentally turned the refrigerator off!) Hayre arrived and took possession of the bill of lading for the cargo and a mobile phone. As it happened the cargo did NOT contain drugs but acting on their suspicion the NCA arrested Hayre and Rai there and then. Hayre's car only contained the bill of lading but Rai's car contained 9 kg of cocaine - which he had been driving around Sandwell whilst visiting vulnerable individuals and ex-offenders!</p><p>Rai claimed that in addition to being a complex needs housing worker he was an expert on the importation of bananas and bored the Court with an absurd monologue about the refrigeration and shelf-life of the fruit. Whilst there were no drugs in the consignment once it appeared at Tasker Street, the load was 4,000 kg "light". Whilst some of this very significant loss could have been the result of natural wastage the NCA are quite certain that a substantial quantity of drugs had been hidden in the cargo but removed at some earlier point. Rai denied this saying that the huge loss in the weight of the load can be easily explained by the bananas rotting when the driver "accidentally" turned off the lorry's alleged refrigeration between Southampton and West Brom. It is common ground that the 9 kg of coke in the indebted Rai's Mercedes (or the one of two he drove) did NOT come from the banana shipment (and see further below).</p><p>A search was then made of the property rented in Rai's name where Hayre was also living occasionally following alleged marital problems. In the garage was a suitcase containing 6 kg of a Class B drug (often used as an agent to "cut" cocaine). In the house was a small quantity of heroin together with a bag containing 495 ecstasy tablets, a money-counting machine and a safe. There was also a "dealer's list" which bore Hayre's fingerprints relating to the supply of 4.5 kgs of coke.</p><p>Another conspirator was a man using the name Matthew xxxxx who has never been traced. He cloned the identity of a real, and wholly innocent, person of that name to use for criminal activity. This poor bloke must have had the shock of his life when the NCA came a'knockin!</p><p>Continued below ...</p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p>Thanks to Mr Putin we have all had a tough time lately with high inflation. The Skidder is a non-profit news service and is sustained from my own resources and from generous donations. Bringing this story to you alone had entailed FOUR trips to Wolvo. If you can spare a few quid and support the work this blog does please consider a donation via the Paypal button on the right-hand side of this post. (If you are reading this on a mobile phone you need to click through to the internet version to find the Paypal donation button.) Thanks y'all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfljr7Yi-J2y5xQx8Qftp0hwXbe5l-Ygx8erqDLCfOosJwcLyY6L8tV1pVLLGWEHtQj1odc8UWjW1MAuNvqg1AV0xCkbnqbyB7G_TzuTMOdpChpLxc2GZMH4KBXEnjLfDNl-sfIP2yQiHnPInGPK9HCGetiGbOsUh9r0ws8dariehABtKe8O1yrP8gKIdS/s1080/Screenshot_20220209-160044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1080" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfljr7Yi-J2y5xQx8Qftp0hwXbe5l-Ygx8erqDLCfOosJwcLyY6L8tV1pVLLGWEHtQj1odc8UWjW1MAuNvqg1AV0xCkbnqbyB7G_TzuTMOdpChpLxc2GZMH4KBXEnjLfDNl-sfIP2yQiHnPInGPK9HCGetiGbOsUh9r0ws8dariehABtKe8O1yrP8gKIdS/w400-h303/Screenshot_20220209-160044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p>May I just digress here to mention the farcical progress of this case since I became aware of it. These scum were due to be sentenced on 7th July. We kicked our heels around the Court most of the day. Late in the afternoon the case came before a "part-time" Judge who pointed out that although the pair had pleaded guilty it was not clear what parts of the evidence they were pleading guilty to! (This was either through negligence at the time the guilty pleas were entered or an attempt to "game the system".) Further, Hayre was now accusing Rai of being the main culprit. The case was adjourned until 13th July. Once again we waited until the afternoon when the Recorder of Wolverhampton started hearing the case. He made the same point as the earlier Judge and it was decided to have a "mini-trial" of the issues - without a jury. The case started and the - very impressive - NCA witness gave his evidence. But we ran out of time. The Recorder adjourned the case for a full-day hearing reserved to himself on 24th August, 2023. On Thursday the matter was only listed for half a day in the afternoon and before a new Judge! The barristers had had to collectively agree the evidence the Recorder had already heard and supply a copy to the new Judge. Needless to say the matter could not be concluded that day and so the case was adjourned for the final ruling and sentencing on Friday. (This will explain to Facebook Group members why I have had to keep putting off this story!) For the first three of these hearings two officers from the NCA had to drive up from the South of England each time, preventing them fighting other major crimes. What an absolute shambles and waste of public money!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia32WgiwtgAiIG7czu0cL3q4D9GyTpCXc0iYZWh0j1vBXWK6xlz6-J4c53ij9G_AvLA3f0vYOnssyb8I7oSRJ3kbCGfBzZTgG72XxGthDXay6BoFX1A9ndRNgknVMPv-iPSyDhooE7DV0nF-_dy1-N39ry7wHedWDvCWYkXuQFigRs9k_T51SFw3orB_xU/s952/Screenshot_2023-08-26-08-21-53-51_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="952" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia32WgiwtgAiIG7czu0cL3q4D9GyTpCXc0iYZWh0j1vBXWK6xlz6-J4c53ij9G_AvLA3f0vYOnssyb8I7oSRJ3kbCGfBzZTgG72XxGthDXay6BoFX1A9ndRNgknVMPv-iPSyDhooE7DV0nF-_dy1-N39ry7wHedWDvCWYkXuQFigRs9k_T51SFw3orB_xU/w640-h480/Screenshot_2023-08-26-08-21-53-51_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Back to the main tale. There is a myth perpetuated about the operations of so-called criminal "masterminds". The grim reality is that the vast majority of criminals are as thick as sh*t and this pair certainly fit into that category. They were done for by clever and diligent monitoring of mobile phone usage. In short, they arranged the deliveries using what was described in Court as "the dirty phone". This was never recovered but experts were able to "co-locate" it with the movements of Hayre. A sim card for a phone (and I am unclear whether this was for the dirty phone or another mentioned) had been sent to "Hayre's girlfriend's" address. The pair used apps - WhatsApp and Signal - for some of the communications. (Incidentally Rai stated in Court that they also used WhatsApp for work purposes and, as I have written elsewhere, this is prevalent at the bent Labour Council to hide misconduct of all sorts.)</p><p>Both of these charmers admitted in Court to having affairs and claimed that the aptly-named dirty phone was used to organise their shagging activities. I have to say that three times during their evidence it was so ludicrous that I had to clamp my hand to my mouth to stifle laughter.</p><p>It was the phone stuff that did for Hayre. In his guilty plea he admitted that he knew the laser-cutter contained Class A drugs (although he didn't know they had been removed by customs). Yet on Thursday he basically denied everything. He claimed that he was at work in xxxxxx Street when Rai told him he needed his help to unload the laser-cutting machine. (Hayre gave the exact address in open Court - another issue I am raising with the Council). He went to help (on work's time) and only when they were putting it in the unit did Rai tell him it contained drugs. He was shocked and appalled by this and said he didn't want anything to do with drugs. He knew nothing about the bananas and only had the bill of lading as Rai had handed it to him with a mobile phone. He was only living in Rai's house for a very short time and his fingerprints may have been on the dealer's list but he probably picked it up in a "layer" of papers whilst he was cleaning up. He knew nothing of the drugs at the house, the money-counting machine etc. He claimed (as did Rai) that he only held the dirty phone during work hours and gave it back to Rai each evening. He held the dirty phone so that it did not come into the possession of Rai's wife. Readers will note the obvious absurdity of this - why would Rai hide the phone at work but then take it home where his missus was in the evening? As I said, criminal masterminds these two are not.</p><p>Hayre claimed (as did Rai) that when the pair were not together or when Rai was driving Hayre would pick up messages on the dirty phone about the deliveries and simply ask Rai for instructions - verbally or via WhatsApp. He would simply relay these messages on believing them to simply be related to deliveries of the machine and the bananas sans drugs. This he said, explained why the evidence showed that on many occasions he was involved in the arrangements for the deliveries when he and Rai were in different geographical locations.</p><p>If any of this was true (and the Judge didn't buy this b*llocks) it begs the question why Hayre pleaded guilty to such a serious charge in the first place. According to him, his ONLY knowledge of ANY illegality is when Rai told him at the Greets Green unit that the laser-cutter contained "some" drugs. </p><p>Hayre's poor barrister tried to make bricks from straw on his behalf but the Judge himself intervened to mention the small matter of Hayre having already entered a guilty plea!</p><p>Rai was like a comedy turn in the witness box. He claimed that everything he had done was under duress from three named "Albanians". Albanian B was responsible for the importation of the laser-cutter. He intended to remove the drugs but had no use for the machine. Thus, the day before delivery, and knowing that Rai was a "wheeler-dealer" as well as a Council worker, he offered him the machine to sell on. Rai, purveyor of cars, vans, soft drinks, fruit and building materials, jumped at the chance as he "knew" he could easily sell such an item having a couple of friends who ran double-glazing businesses. (Again the Judge saw through this like two closely aligned panes of glass lol!)</p><p>The bananas, as I have said, led to his lecture to the Judge on the fruit. Clearly the prison where he was on remand stocks "The Ladybird Book of Fruit & Veg Wholesale". In addition to his onerous duties at the Council Rai again claimed he could "easily" sell an entire lorry load of perishable bananas. Alas the stock was in poor shape due to the lorry driver switching off the refrigeration causing 4,000 kgs to disappear between Southampton and Tasker Street. Again he had been offered this load via Albanian B.</p><p>With regard to the house, Rai claimed that despite his alleged debts he had an excellent credit rating but Albanian B did not and so the latter asked him to rent the house for him in return for "a financial incentive". Another nice little earner on top of his money from the taxpayer. He knew the house was to be used to conceal drugs etc but claimed that he was threatened by Albanian B that if he didn't keep his mouth shut there would be "consequences" for him and his family. He took this as a direct threat to their safety and even their lives. He admitted stashing the Class B drugs in the garage so that his son didn't see the suitcase and think he was "going away" (he is now!) This begs the question why he was taking his son to a house where he knew drugs were being concealed. Similarly he hid the 9 kgs under the boot tray of one of his Mercs so that his son did not see it. He said he knew the "brick-like package" contained drugs but did not know what was actually in it. He placed it in the car on instructions and drove it round with the intention of returning it to "the Albanians" when they asked for it.</p><p>Unsurprisingly, the prosecution asked why Rai had waited until the eleventh hour to make these claims. He had never spun this yarn to the police nor in his own pre-trial witness evidence. Rai was forced to admit that his legal teams (he sacked the first lot) had never advised him of the legal defence of duress before he, er, pleaded guilty (presumably because they were unaware of his story). Rai admitted that he had been too scared of the Albanians to mention any of this beforehand but felt now was the time to "speak out".</p><p>In respect of the cars, incidentally, Rai claimed that his brother "works for Mercedes" and obtains large discounts on their vehicles. He acquired two which he paid for but allowed Rai to use.</p><p>[You may pause here to listen to the Jackanory theme on Spotify ...]</p><p>Please note that at least two Albanians were mentioned in the evidence but the NCA specifically stated that they had been eliminated from their investigation very early on.</p><p>This joker, Rai, is clearly still beholden to the great Billy as he took full responsibility for everything. He backed up Hayre's story that Rai only told him the machine contained drugs when they were actually unloading it. He claimed he did give Hayre all the instructions on the deliveries. He alleged that Hayre did only spend a very short time at the rented property but would have been unaware of the presence of drugs etc there. It is noteworthy that when Hayre had given his evidence not only did Rai's barrister not cross-examine him but he actually told the Judge that he had received "specific instructions" from Rai not to do so. What a martyr!</p><p>But it all came to nought as the Judge wasn't having any of it and sentenced them equally. I will refer to one aspect of the mitigation below but there was another comedic moment when Rai's barrister began peeling an onion beneath his eyes and almost sobbed about the devastating effect of this saga on Rai's wife and children. No doubt Sunny himself had these folk in mind when he was balls-deep in his mistress.</p><p><b>National Crime Agency</b></p><p>There have been persistent allegations over the years that certain officers at Sandwell Police have been directly involved in the Class A drugs business. The most serious direct allegation (from more than one credible source) is that WMP officers tip off taxi drivers where and when spot checks are to occur so that, as a Sandwell Council employee told me, "they are not caught carrying drugs, money or prostitutes".</p><p>We have seen close connections between drug dealers and Sandwell Labour and that this was prevalent at the elections last May. Also the local Police have - at least until recent times - been completely corrupted and refuse to act against illegality within the bent Labour Council.</p><p>Further, I can say with 100% certainty that Sandwell Police have been supplied with names of cocaine users employed by SMBC some of whom have also been involved in dealing that Class A drug. The Blues have taken no action whatsoever even when one individual secured work in the proximity of children. Indeed, Sandwell Police have actually feted the individual concerned. More on that soon folks ...</p><p>All this raises the question whether Sandwell Police would have taken any action against this pair had they been aware of their activities? I suspect that, once again, they would have protected their "friends". It was fortunate that all this was triggered by the good work of customs at Heathrow so that the operation was conducted by the NCA and not the local Bent Blues.</p><p>To be fair, there are small but encouraging signs of a change of attitude at Sandwell Police and it is to be hoped that they now enforce the law without fear or favour.</p><p><b>Manesa Patel</b></p><p>Ms Patel is the Complex Hub Team Leader within bent Sandwell's Housing Solutions Team. As such she was the line manager of this pair who, ironically, ran the "Sandwell Prison Pilot Scheme". I don't think this was intended to guide employees straight into the nick!</p><p>One SMBC employee describes Ms Patel as "Hayre's girlfriend". Another calls her "Billy's partner". A third said she is "a very close friend of Billy". It is very important to note that Ms Patel has specifically told The Skidder that this is absolutely incorrect. She is not, she says, and never has been, in a relationship with Hayre. When asked why she was taking such an active interest in the case she said that he was just "a friend" (direct quote).</p><p>It has been alleged by one employee that Hayre regularly gave Ms Patel "gifts". I am sure that must be untrue given Ms Patel's clear and unequivocal statements that they were most definitely not close.</p><p>It has to be said, however, that Ms Patel has taken a day off work for each of the above mentioned hearings. She stated in my presence that she had visited Hayre in prison at least once. More surprisingly, at one of the hearings she went into a private consultation room with Hayre's barrister (a highly experienced professional). That is extremely unusual for someone not connected with the barrister's client.</p><p>I did not have access to the Court bundle of documents but Hayre's barrister specifically stated in mitigation that the bundle contained a number of character references for him including a letter from "Manesa Patel of his employers". This raises some concern. If Counsel was wrong and the letter was simply from a friend in her personal capacity then it is to be hoped that Ms Patel clearly described her true status vis a vis Hayre. Further, if this was a private reference one still has to ask whether this was appropriate noting that she was the line manager of this pair who were bunking off unloading lorries when she was, apparently, completely unaware of this. Bearing in mind too that Hayre had pleaded guilty and this letter was written with that knowledge, it would be wholly inappropriate if she lauded Hayre's work when at the same time he was involved in a major conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. This is like praising Captain Smith of the Titanic for his exemplary record apart from the unfortunate incident with the iceberg.</p><p>I am not privy to the contents of the Court bundle and it may be that Ms Patel/SMBC also gave a character reference for Rai. If there was one there it was NOT mentioned in mitigation by Rai's barrister. IF there was only a reference for Hayre and not one for Rai, why was this?</p><p>Of course, if the reference was made by Patel using Sandwell Council notepaper or email that would be even more inappropriate still and I am writing to SMBC to find out what the hell has gone on here. Did the Council really supply a character reference for someone who has pleaded guilty to major crime during the working day? Bent Labour have shown in the past they are sick enough to do this sort of thing. I will keep you posted folks.</p><p><b>Express and Star</b></p><p>After Sandwell Police, the biggest rimmers of the bent Labour Council are, of course, the Wolvo C*cksuckers. In reporting the case yesterday the C-S's completely failed to mention that this pair were employed by their pals at the Council and that some of the incidents happened in work time! </p><p>They did mention that Rai had once been a PCSO. I too was aware of this but WMP told me directly that "it was a very long time ago". You can't trust The Star!</p><p><b>An Independent Investigation</b></p><p>These crimes merited 12 year prison sentences. This is so serious that Shokat Lal, the new-ish Chief Exec must commission an independent external investigation into this affair. This must not involve Tour, Farrow or anyone else involved in some of bent Labour's appalling "internal investigations" nor Grant Thornton, who have nailed their colours to Dim Kez's mast and have been deeply involved in the suppression of the Cox Review.</p><p>There are plenty of good barristers in Brum any one of whom should be instructed. S/he should be asked to look at:</p><p>1 The circumstances of how this dimwitted pair came to be appointed and, in particular, their qualifications for the posts they held;</p><p>2 How their line and other managers were unaware of them using works time to arrange deliveries, unload vans and lorries and supply Class A drugs (and, in the case of Rai, also wholesaling a variety of allegedly legitimate goods);</p><p>3 Did these two declare their supposedly legal external businesses via the Employees' Register of Interests? Are systems robust enough at the corrupt Council to monitor situations where employees have so little work to do they can run outside businesses?</p><p>3 Whether there is any evidence of any of the Council's vulnerable "clients" being affected by this criminality;</p><p>4 Were there any warning signs that management should have detected that this pair were possibly enjoying lifestyles incompatible with their incomes? Clearly the expensive cars may have been one "trigger" for suspicion; and</p><p>5 The circumstances in which Ms Patel came to give a reference for Hayre either personally or on behalf of the Council. Did she/SMBC also provide a reference for Rai and, if not, why not? Was it in any way appropriate in the circumstances that a character reference should have been provided in the full knowledge - via the guilty pleas - that the pair had been involved in very serious criminality during work time.</p><p><b>Another issue</b></p><p>Another matter arises thanks to information from SMBC employees which I am raising separately.</p><p><b>Another Skidder Crime Report ...</b></p><p>Fingers crossed another cracking Sandwell Crime Report will be out in about a month's time. Read The Skidder, Kidder!</p><p><b>And finally ...</b></p><p>Tireless Sandwell Community Activist, Darry Magher, has been a bit poorly lately. Get well soon, Darryl!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr5Y3bRW-seSMlhIy6ocBEuY-fksimmiQZcakkGYmSovf9nYH_YDgM6HJtNxpniEMyE5Kgy2ppmdjasdB2kx7EjaTJTV3M9S-oZOB1f8amZE88lyDH3UXVu3Pe9sgeeiHKDq9GIhsi5H8YQP-wnoFIz3h4MhaNROeMpwioOq7pf5t0F9yw7v26rDBkv6M/s2621/IMG_20230817_121653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2621" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr5Y3bRW-seSMlhIy6ocBEuY-fksimmiQZcakkGYmSovf9nYH_YDgM6HJtNxpniEMyE5Kgy2ppmdjasdB2kx7EjaTJTV3M9S-oZOB1f8amZE88lyDH3UXVu3Pe9sgeeiHKDq9GIhsi5H8YQP-wnoFIz3h4MhaNROeMpwioOq7pf5t0F9yw7v26rDBkv6M/w640-h588/IMG_20230817_121653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></p><p><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></p><p><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></p><p><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></p><p><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></p><p><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></p><p><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b><b>use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-21380935651701366752023-08-07T12:08:00.005-07:002023-08-09T00:08:06.575-07:00Bumper Summer Skidder! Double "Holiday" Edition!<p>When you are cowering beneath any available shelter during our Great British Summer here's some horror stories to, er, make y'all feel even more miserable - courtesy of bent Labour Sandwell Council! </p><p><b>Alice Davey - the worst Director's performance since Alison Knight?</b></p><p>Over the years Labour have realised that the people of Sandwell are so craven they can be bought very cheaply - "circuses" without the bread. Thus thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money have been wasted on a series of "events" over the years. Many have been disasters, and the vast majority have been loss-making as well! Bent Labour really can't organise a p*ss-up in a brewery!</p><p>But in these straightened times Labour's crazed, spend,spend, spend behaviour is unsustainable. Now the incompetent Comrades think that they can actually put events on AND make money from them.</p><p>Enter Mr Matthew Huggins - an employee with an interesting back story if ever there was one! I have received countless reports that since his arrival bent Labour has been "spending money like water" on events etc. - despite the presence of the Government Commissioners. The Skidder keeps being told that there is "a massive hole in the budget". Recently, Huggins was "relieved of some of his workload" to "help him", but remains at the Council.</p><p>Back in the day, Liam Preece chaired one of the most notorious meetings of this corrupt Council when he and his Labour colleagues attempted to give retrospective legality to their bent deal to flog Lion Farm Fields (incredibly, still an ongoing issue) They switched off the sound recording for the relevant item. In the history of this blog this was the stage for the most truly awful performance by a Director of the paid service, the hapless Alison Knight (Skidders passim). Knight's performance that night was one of breathtaking ineptitude but, as we shall see, the recent "up yours" hubristic show from the Director of Borough Economy, Alice Davey, was marked by stunning arrogance and seeming contempt for the Council and the watching public.</p><p>Curiously, Preece was purporting to be chairing the meeting this time too. He is, of course, as weak as p*ss and a pathetic rimmer of Tom "Twatson" Watson. He was an ineffectual Labour Councillor in Charlemont and Grove Vale before Charley folk realised how useless he is and chucked him out. In true Sandwell Labour-style he was soon found another seat. The scum* in West Brom Central thought they needed someone crap to "represent" them and duly voted him back in!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_4zsiBs0lb4TdMYJkjLOOdBZAOlAkVycqod9YX4EGupq0EgqRI8014b7jUa8ifQGmE6UKa71-0VD5PnLanwZzp8ghZRXhg-bDuK_4A2_N4ABAZYCQTcZu12JrjNnyY66ddYbOtnrJ2qSFD9UXsRHIgaHOH-K9EGmKQsKmmciMFU-szKexEj8U6QAdDf-/s880/labour%20donkey.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="880" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_4zsiBs0lb4TdMYJkjLOOdBZAOlAkVycqod9YX4EGupq0EgqRI8014b7jUa8ifQGmE6UKa71-0VD5PnLanwZzp8ghZRXhg-bDuK_4A2_N4ABAZYCQTcZu12JrjNnyY66ddYbOtnrJ2qSFD9UXsRHIgaHOH-K9EGmKQsKmmciMFU-szKexEj8U6QAdDf-/w400-h356/labour%20donkey.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I know that some readers don't like to click through to videos posted on the blog but you really need to see this shocker from a recent Audit Committee meeting. Please also note the astonishing comment from Preece, "I haven't seen the strategic risk register for sometime". This was spotted by local Community Activist, Darryl Magher, who rightly questions why Preece hasn't seen this all-important document for so long when he is CHAIR OF THE F**KING COMMITTEE!</p><p>As you will see, Preece tries to ask for figures showing whether bent Labour IS actually making any money from the considerable sums they have chucked at "events", but Davey, in an outburst of management babble about going "offline with this", flatly refuses to tell him or the watching public the true position (and I think we know what that is don't we readers?) Preece shows the firmness of a milk jelly with her, and when she effectively tells him to "do one" - he does! ROFLMAO!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-DX2ajk1qDk" width="320" youtube-src-id="-DX2ajk1qDk"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>This is truly shocking even by Sandwell-standards. Questions must be asked about what went on here and, of course, the public needs to know what the (inevitable) losses actually are! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yes folks, Wednesbury is STILL sh*t!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years, this blog has consistently pointed out that bent Sandwell Labour Councillors hate business and enterprise - except when it comes to enriching themselves in which case they are all for it! Most of them have no business acumen whatsoever and on the wilder shores of this cesspool, the lunatic fringe like Cllrs Piper and Fenton yearn for the destruction of capitalism and private enterprise altogether!</div><p>Socialists are nothing if not sentimental and yearn nor a non-existent past where workers supposedly had "dignity" and comrades nearly destroyed the economy through endless strikes. Sandwell Labour has this absurd nostalgic hankering for markets. No, not financial ones which ensure the efficient use of capital and create wealth, but street markets where you can buy a pair of cheap knickers and a cauliflower in the pouring rain.</p><p>There are many reasons why many markets up and down the country are failing or have failed, but these don't appear to have come to the attention of Sandwell's corrupt Council. I know Wednesbury is a sh*thole but, as a quondam market trader myself, the Market is a woeful sight. This does not stop the Labour liars bragging on the Council website that, "Wednesbury is one of Sandwell's ... most vibrant markets." WTF must the rest be like?????</p><p>And so bent Labour decided - once again - to revamp their pathetic previous efforts. There is nothing in Wednesbury that would not be better for facing a visit from the Luftwaffe but, under the guise of a "heritage project", some hopelessly designed stalls have simply been plonked around the old, er, Market Place and the top of Union Street. The Wednesbury Labour Councillors - some of the worst in the Borough (and that's saying something) - were quick to attend photo shoots metaphorically masturbating next to the, er. empty stalls.</p><p>And, of course, they have remained just that - empty! Now the anti-business Labour comrades have hit on a brilliant wheeze to make the stalls pay their way lol! Yes, you guessed it - give them away FREE! They are advertising for anyone holding public liability insurance to take stalls for nowt on 6 Saturdays from now. </p><p>I have said so often on here that these jokers couldn't run a whelk stall - but they can't run any other type either without compounding losses to us taxpayers. Total *****!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5x9_5corMUjaymNBpD1hFWQZhHg7Cze841hLF_MI91fOaG2KwcCXtBjeO4Uy93Y9sQ1JObTl3DCcFaX95EAX_DT6UjZdvQoCiJNj7ihRyJ-ZLB90EKWtns2LWdvwC_oZ7Ljv0XBrgYSzgzXZWcFo1XjgtK7vsOOSmcUexPSJar_fwM0QcwTlpcmmILOY/s1405/so%20poor%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5x9_5corMUjaymNBpD1hFWQZhHg7Cze841hLF_MI91fOaG2KwcCXtBjeO4Uy93Y9sQ1JObTl3DCcFaX95EAX_DT6UjZdvQoCiJNj7ihRyJ-ZLB90EKWtns2LWdvwC_oZ7Ljv0XBrgYSzgzXZWcFo1XjgtK7vsOOSmcUexPSJar_fwM0QcwTlpcmmILOY/w492-h640/so%20poor%20.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><p><b>And on the subject of markets ...</b></p><p>Bent Labour have also used 49 years of dicatorship to run West Brom Indoor Market into the ground. These jokers now want to invest millions of our money in a super-duper new Market Hall. There are experts around the place who can advise on such matters (admittedly at a price) but Labour Leader Kerrie, Dim Kez, Carmichael is trying to rehabilitate the Criminal Councillor, Steve "Rocky" Melia (although I use the work "rehabilitate" with caution as Melia has not, hitherto, achieved any level of competence or aptitude), and so Kez sent the Crim on a taxpayer-funded jaunt to gawp at Crewe Market. The only things this nasty, dimwitted, POS has ever run are his mouth and his fists, and so we await his views on running markets with, er, no interest whatsover.</p><p>Here he is, appropriately highlighted in yellow given his pathetic cowardice:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d9taxwCVmMuar8QHm2oTKqC4wMVV9qEEaesfdoJwGhv21qbfYCzCkfhpfB7-G2KOQXgR5anrzwa64gww6icY6qMMXT2ZAz9dzmjBjAIukeBQ2mG8Fpx7EspkN8GWVTKOH4VCfYOQQ-EYAi_g73zKs7mbHZnP3RJQ6LIswUGKngJrG5Kykt_olIZlhVNt/s1080/IMG_20230804_120036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1080" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d9taxwCVmMuar8QHm2oTKqC4wMVV9qEEaesfdoJwGhv21qbfYCzCkfhpfB7-G2KOQXgR5anrzwa64gww6icY6qMMXT2ZAz9dzmjBjAIukeBQ2mG8Fpx7EspkN8GWVTKOH4VCfYOQQ-EYAi_g73zKs7mbHZnP3RJQ6LIswUGKngJrG5Kykt_olIZlhVNt/w640-h468/IMG_20230804_120036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>A Gunn to the Head?</b></p><p>You good folk keep sending me stories and this one can best be described in an email I sent to Dim Kez regarding Alfred Gunn House on 4th July, 2023:</p><p><i>"THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION - PRESS ENQUIRY</i></p><p><i>"I have been informed, rightly or wrongly, that you personally were heavily involved in awarding a contract for the renovation of Alfred Gunn House to Seddon Construction.</i></p><p><i>"The allegation is that firms such as Lovell quoted in the region of £40m whereas Seddon put in a low-ball offer of around £11m (although the stated contract value ended up at £14m). There is no allegation (yet) of corruption but an allegation of further SMBC/Labour incompetence in the groupthink determining that the Council was getting a bargain from Seddon.</i></p><p><i>"I am also informed that Seddon have run up costs already of around £28m and work remains incomplete.</i></p><p><i>"Are these allegations true and, if so, what is the final figure budgeted for this project?"</i></p><p>Needless to say, Kez is happy to shoot her vicious mouth off at me but has failed to respond to this email. Incidentally, I also wrote to Seddon who have also declined to respond. </p><p>Obviously Carmichael wants to create more work for Council staff and so I have duly obliged with a Freedom of Information Request (link below)</p><p><a href="https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/refurbishment_alfred_gunn_house">https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/refurbishment_alfred_gunn_house</a><br /></p><p>This looks like another big Labour scandal in the making.</p><p><b>Gove's Commissioners not interested in alleged Sandwell "fraud"!</b></p><p>I received some intelligence from a Council whistleblower. Over the years a number of staff have asked me to raise issues with the Council as they have been too afraid to do so - with good cause especially during the appalling bullying of the Cooper/Eling/Britton and Stevens eras.</p><p>In my chaotic way, I "lost" the complaint in my paper mountain but when I found it again it seemed from other intelligence received from staff that a couple of the alleged miscreants may have already been dealt with. I did, however, send a precis of the complaints to the Commissioners - complete with the names of most of the accused. Here is an anonymised version - and please remember that these are just unproven allegations:</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Employee A sits in the office with 3 or 4 mobile phones selling cars during work time. He also leaves work during normal hours to work on cars.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Employees claim flexitime for [the whistleblower alleges] "working" beyond normal hours from home. It is alleged that these claims are fake.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Materials for jobs are ordered without any inspection of the actual sites. The waste is "unbelievable". Materials are left to rot in all weather and then have to be disposed of as "hazardous waste". "Tons" of sand are delivered to even the smallest of jobs. Patios and driveways are supplied for "special tenants". Disabled wet rooms are installed and then "able-bodied" tenants put in so that the bathrooms are ripped out and reconverted at yet more expense.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">An employee bullied numerous members of staff but SMBC only moved him/her to another section.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">An employee has interests in companies undertaking voids maintenance work.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">An employee took a redundancy payment but was reemployed, in an alleged scam, the following week under a new job title.</span></p><p>The response from the Commissioners has been gob-smacking noting, as above, that some names were supplied. Kim Bromley Derry and his co-Commissioner will NOT investigate these matters AT ALL - because they say they do not fall within the legal definition of whistleblowing! WTF? So much for sorting this corrupt Council out! This is what you are paying £2m for (thanks to bent Labour).</p><p>Parts of this could, of course, be a Police matter but given the corrupt relationship - at least (possibly) - until recent times - that also looks like a non-starter. Carry on bent guys and gals - you are immune from sanctions!</p><p><b>The naughty boys and girls list</b></p><p>My "rolling" blog on (a) Sandwell employee miscreants and (b) SMBC staff doing work "on the side" is proving popular and more information is welcome. Oh, and there should be a couple of absolute humdinger entries coming soon ... Watch this space! You can find it via this link:</p><p><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/07/sandwell-council-rolling-log-of.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/07/sandwell-council-rolling-log-of.html</a><br /></p><p>Of course, the former Labour Leader [sic] of the Council, the tyrannical Cllr Steve "Squealing" Eling was not an employee of SMBC but he was raking in the allowances whilst also working for nearby, er, Rotherham Council. Of course, he institutionalised corruption at bent Sandwell during his evil regime (Skidders passim ad nauseum) - one of the main reasons the Commissioners are in now at your expense. Here is the entry for your convenience in case you don't want to click through and read the whole of the existing post:</p><p><span style="color: #800180;">"This is a slightly odd entry in this list since Eling was not an employee of Sandwell Council but the political Leader of it whilst also working at another Labour basket-case Council, Rotherham. Thus he was raking-in pay at one council and allowances at the other.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">"Eling was reported by a number of Sandwell employees as having a vile temper and he institutionalised the corruption which was already rampant when he was one of two Deputy Leaders. Rotherham MBC claimed that he was working for them as a “political officer” but that this was NOT a politically-restricted post.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">"As the corruption intensified on his watch at Sandwell the long-serving and (too) loyal Cabinet secretaries were suspended after Eling thought they had exposed the Monitoring Officer in what appeared to be misconduct. A Councillor in the private section of the Council House where the Leader’s Office is situated was heard screaming, “I want the f*ckers out and I don’t want the f*ckers back”. Many sources say this was Eling and he has never formally denied the allegation. (As it was, Eling was totally wrong and the secretaries were not the whistleblowers. They were all reinstated with an apology and a small compensation payment. The principal senior employee doing Eling’s dirty work was hapless s.151 officer Darren Carter who moved on to Reading Council despite his track record.)</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">"Since Eling was splitting his time between Sandwell and Rotherham (and actually living for most of the time in a pretty north Derbyshire village) he needed a right-hand man to be his enforcer at Sandwell whilst he was absent, and he chose a ludicrous figure, Cllr Richard Marshall. The pair met with me and in return for exposing two other of their senior Labour Councillors (which I was doing already) they offered to feed me confidential Council information or, as they put it, there would be “more leaks than Wales”. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">"To that end the pair set up a WhatsApp account to send the confidential information to me. Most of the feed is available at my post of 5th November, 2017 - “Steve Eling - You Are a F*cking Liar!”. Amongst much appalling output the pair (a) asked me to give the female Assistant Chief Executive “a good kicking”, (b) suggested they might arrange a travellers’ site next door to an enemy’s property development so the travellers could “shit in the gardens” of the new houses, (c) alleged that a fellow Labour Councillor's partnerwas a transexual or, as they put it, “a cock in a frock, and (d) envisaged a married Labour Councillor “sp*nking” over a female Councillor “in her bikini” since this would be better than the male “doing his wife” - also a Labour Councillor.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">"Despite Rotherham Council having full knowledge of all this, and in the sick, sick, world of local government, they made Eling their “Equalities Officer”. Eling was suspended by the Labour Party and did not contest his Council seat but remains the Chair of an important local charity, Warley Woods Community Trust, who think he is wonderful and are content to ignore his truly shocking track record (of which this extract only details a small part)."</span></p><div><b>Brandhall - What's in a word?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>There is now very serious concern about the conduct of the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust. This blog reported that the Trust provided a (controversial and disputed) survey of the wildlife on the lovely Brandhall Green Space (formerly a golf course replete with mature trees). As we have seen, bent Labour loves destroying green spaces in Sadders and is determined to force through a development wrecking a substantial part of the site. </div><div><br /></div><div>When this was forced through the Council, Satnam Sahota's puppet and tenant (Skiddder's passim) Peter "Alberich" Hughes stated in public that the green space that survives will become what is laughingly called an "eco-park". He further stated that the Wildlife Trust would be getting the gig to "advise" on the eco-park - thus profiting from the destruction of a beautiful environment teeming with, er, wildlife.</div><div><br /></div><div>This blog previously described how I wrote to the Trust and asked whether it was part of its charitable purpose to destroy valuable green space in an urban setting, and (b) to then make profit from this. Was there not a clear conflict of interest here? The Trust said they were unaware of Hughes's public comments and had NOT made any arrangement with the bent Council to profit from further work at the site.</div><div><br /></div><div>ONLY 83% of the locals who responded to the initial plan were against this devastation (!) but bent Labour is setting up a separate group of cronies and rimmers to "consult" with about the project - thus sidestepping the existing - and vocal - local campaigners. A meeting was held for the patsies to give "their" thoughts and Labour invited the Wildlife Trust too. Sources told The Skidder that. at the meeting, the poisonous Hughes again claimed that the Trust would be cashing-in by advising on the project "going forward".</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again I wrote to the Trust and in respect of the meeting they stated:</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">"The Trust was invited to attend a public meeting organised by Sandwell Council to gather the thoughts of the local community on the future of the site. We felt it was important to attend this meeting to ensure that the ecological and biodiversity implications for the site were fed into this discussion as appropriate and to have the opportunity to hear directly from members of the local community about Brandhall."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Once again one can only say - as I have done in writing - that the Trust has chosen to only hear the views of that section of arse-lickers Labour has created to represent the pro-vandalism view. This included six Labour Councillors and seven SMBC employees. Strangely the Council say three reps from the Brandhall Action Group were present, but a group of the campaigners denied this and say that if anyone attended they were NOT there on behalf of the protest campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div>Curiously Labour invited along something called the "Lion Farm Action Centre" which is ironic noting that Labour are planning to also destroy Lion Farm Fields. What the hell are they doing helping bent Labour destroy a large part of Brandhall?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIVJ00j2z7pgQvZ85X8c5aCrvbxi1gPpoQgPBox8-rsWH6Vb9IsXQFDomyyjhrmIJDs1Mbe2e0hFE3xU8UQaS0CUk0ZW2dQHuKH-xbx55I22BzkuBWderuxz8mOuR4cX8wlpMDCO-kmrXiLrZ3-FNoGfYe5ucD7f7l_pOJtNtzkHl4ZtQU4LAnn2t3UgX/s1582/Screenshot_2023-08-07-18-20-34-82_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIVJ00j2z7pgQvZ85X8c5aCrvbxi1gPpoQgPBox8-rsWH6Vb9IsXQFDomyyjhrmIJDs1Mbe2e0hFE3xU8UQaS0CUk0ZW2dQHuKH-xbx55I22BzkuBWderuxz8mOuR4cX8wlpMDCO-kmrXiLrZ3-FNoGfYe5ucD7f7l_pOJtNtzkHl4ZtQU4LAnn2t3UgX/w436-h640/Screenshot_2023-08-07-18-20-34-82_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><br /><div>We have seen that bent Labour have "bought" many local charities (see "Scips" below) and a worrying further statement from the Trust reads:</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">"I also made it clear [in the earlier correspondence referred to above] that the Trust had not received a formal approach from Sandwell Council about the Trust’s involvement in the future of the site. These facts remain unchanged. "</span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div>Note that the word "formal" has suddenly appeared. This implies that there have indeed been "informal" discussions for the Trust to profit from this egregious environmental damage. Are they pulling my chain? It certainly looks that way since I wrote to Hughes and he had his ventiloquist's dummy, Tony McGovern, Sandwell's Director of Regeneration, respond:</div><div><br /></div><div>"It is no secret that the Council has made a commitment to work with the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust on the Brandhall site ..."</div><div><br /></div><div>Well the "charitable" Trust has certainly been trying to keep this secret! But money talks ... This is really sick (in the traditional meaning of the word.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SCIPS - have your data rights been breached?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This - the Sandwell Community Information and Participation Service [sic] - is one of the most egregious "fake" charities in Sandwell and whilst purporting to be an independent charity acting for tenants it is largely funded by bent Labour SMBC and acts as a pathetic mouthpiece for the corrupt Council.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is another of the charities in Sandwell which feeds off other charities who coalesce together to "work" with each other, rather than with real people who actually need their help. If you are a tenant in Sadders it is hard to see what SCIPS would actually do for you if you needed help. Oh, and SCIPS call real people who need help, "customers" (pass the sick bag, Alice).</div><div><br /></div><div>The organisation also has "members". But any tenant group members also have to be, er, "registered" with the bent Labour Council (as with - now - all community groups who seek help or funding from the twisted Dictatorship).</div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, someone contacted me as SCIPS had passed their personal contact information to the corrupt Council who duly sent him/her a survey questionnaire (asking for extensive personal details). This appeared to have been a very serious data breach and I duly wrote to SCIPS who advised that a list of all "members" had been supplied to the corrupt Council and that SCIPS consented to the Council asking for this data so passed it over pursuant to what the Information Commissioner calls a "legitimate interest". This is <u>highly</u> debatable and I am looking into this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even more worryingly, if you were an individual tenant who has consulted the Charity for help, your data may have been passed to SMBC too. SCIPS allege that every individual who received a survey/questionnaire has given their express permission for SCIPS to pass their data on AND for SMBC to use it (since once the data is received by the bent Council they too can only use it in accordance with the Data Protection Act).</div><div><br /></div><div>All this came as a surprise to my correspondent who had no idea his/her personal data would be handed over to the Council by the Charity. And SCIPS has failed to say how it obtained the consent of individual users of their "services" for disclosure.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are an individual who received a questionnaire - or even if you didn't but are concerned about this - please contact me via the methods set out below. YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>And in another of those amazing Sandwell "coincidences" I tried to search the SCIPS "privacy policy" today but it was "not available" on the website. Now just fancy that!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FMGl_9UL9RFLObIb2O2I0Z0fJfRpBHjHr5omnrjJurLw0ik-TWI-A_3jLCSM3WJoH5enDMG_cmKo9Ehye3xLCT98acIt8BNIhx6rZr9PaMGVt_Vt44iegG_xwV_B-om21A-VlB7oUni7krYYTQjbxw48iW2hjkVt67sZMbzPD6vl49U3p_N-xSMKWlXo/s1492/scips%20privacy%20policy%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="1492" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FMGl_9UL9RFLObIb2O2I0Z0fJfRpBHjHr5omnrjJurLw0ik-TWI-A_3jLCSM3WJoH5enDMG_cmKo9Ehye3xLCT98acIt8BNIhx6rZr9PaMGVt_Vt44iegG_xwV_B-om21A-VlB7oUni7krYYTQjbxw48iW2hjkVt67sZMbzPD6vl49U3p_N-xSMKWlXo/w640-h182/scips%20privacy%20policy%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>The History of Sadders: Part 94</b></p><p>I recently came across this gem from a 1996 edition of the brilliant Private Eye Magazine. This reports corruption within bent Labour Sandwell Council and a total failure of the craven Wolvo C*cksuckers (aka The Express and Star) to report it. These are themes constantly exposed in this blog since 2013 and which still continue to this day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm79uPulQ4FpkR6z77312D7WmcGo1Ngk2XkKQ6yjWJpPTPjlpoSfT_7ym_LSWbiWz8ZplH4m6uxGUXDHU-KyQ_No7RYJAAxPTYXt_F711RB7SyHruUNWQTrjO01iw_XMblk59X9uv_j-xGyZmtNrouVfIZUE-FGGjA9wSRxIjrldBewOTAJfOOUY7_84z/s3080/IMG_20230725_102818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3080" data-original-width="2818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm79uPulQ4FpkR6z77312D7WmcGo1Ngk2XkKQ6yjWJpPTPjlpoSfT_7ym_LSWbiWz8ZplH4m6uxGUXDHU-KyQ_No7RYJAAxPTYXt_F711RB7SyHruUNWQTrjO01iw_XMblk59X9uv_j-xGyZmtNrouVfIZUE-FGGjA9wSRxIjrldBewOTAJfOOUY7_84z/w586-h640/IMG_20230725_102818.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>And if you have insomnia ...</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>For those who want to get into the nitty gritty of what Sandwell Council legal department has been doing there is a new blog in the Crow Multimedia stable. This is actually intended to cover any interesting legal points from councils across the land but, at present, there is more than enough Sandwell sh*t to expose. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can find the blog via the link below and there are two posts on Surjit Tour's unlawful use of public funds to pay for McNally's legal case:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href=" https://www.blogger.com/u/9/blog/posts/1269349089208622678"> https://www.blogger.com/u/9/blog/posts/1269349089208622678</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuocC_enupnSVB5VYvT5YyVyfahlx77NjlBDt2_IC6TePgBzI7UGEY8jrHYoGtpA6zBo_6S_p8UK2xSHltsY9f8KV7Kyk2UJYjyoGU-WOEIJJMBh02hqOzaxL-lLzYL2DV83yrOoFPZGboO3wyqCI0kInP9TjFHiaZPyO9mJp0zK82Bq0BJkhZwa1qC1S/s1148/D2%20Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="849" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuocC_enupnSVB5VYvT5YyVyfahlx77NjlBDt2_IC6TePgBzI7UGEY8jrHYoGtpA6zBo_6S_p8UK2xSHltsY9f8KV7Kyk2UJYjyoGU-WOEIJJMBh02hqOzaxL-lLzYL2DV83yrOoFPZGboO3wyqCI0kInP9TjFHiaZPyO9mJp0zK82Bq0BJkhZwa1qC1S/w474-h640/D2%20Image.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div><p>* The 2023 Sandwell Scum Counter can be found via this link:</p><p><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-all-new-2023-sandwell-scum-counter.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-all-new-2023-sandwell-scum-counter.html</a><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Facebook: Julian Saunders </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</span></p><p>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</p><p><span style="background-color: #ffa400;">LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</span></p><p>I<b> cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p></div><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-69606519936457852032023-07-26T03:32:00.022-07:002023-07-26T09:46:52.574-07:00BREAKING NEWS: The Turd of Sandwell aplogises!<p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Who knows what, if anything, goes on inside the head of the "Leader" of bent Labour Sandwell Council, Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael, and what on earth was behind her crazed decision to make Bent?* Billy Gavan the Mayor of Sandwell? Anyone who has had anything to do with Sandwell politics knows that Gavan is a complete **** and it is incredible that bent Labour should make him The Turd of Sandwell when he had left the Party to join the Tories (who immediately kicked the scumbag out lol!) Perhaps Kez appreciates the fact that, like herself, The Turd is unable to control himself in polite society (Skidders passim).</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">This blog forecast that Dim Kez's decision would end in tears and so it has come to pass in just <b>56 days</b>. On Monday this blog reported some of The Turd's appalling behaviour at the Extraordinary Meeting of the corrupt Council on 18th July. You can watch a couple of short videos via this link:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/07/turd-begins-to-smell-much-more.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/07/turd-begins-to-smell-much-more.html</a><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Not one Labour Councillor in the history of this blog has ever apologised for their appalling misconduct - save for a couple of examples when they were forced to do so! Not so long ago a pathetic former Mayor, Mushtaq Hussain, steadfastly refused to say sorry for his outrageous behaviour. But last night The Turd apologised publicly although it is highly unlikely that such a loathsome person would have done this without being forced to do so. I explained in Monday's post that he was opening up the Council to potential legal action by his bullying threats to elected members. He is also itching to have a go at people lawfully present in the public gallery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdydW3dtWaaPmwF793oKgMi_cO8LRUQAf8r1FlDURrdw0T01odeedKD0tY_haKQLtoJAq5LP_H0YHo8xHiGv6qtPkaRRvOcUsBJyzXoxrIaxrLaL5W0F-e2DtgJbzw8Kf_IH-pea5YmclnOVyxGf4latbrNP3B4J88QB6GqunVEyCWD9z4VTw63UBdXxB/s698/IMG_20230726_104200%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="405" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdydW3dtWaaPmwF793oKgMi_cO8LRUQAf8r1FlDURrdw0T01odeedKD0tY_haKQLtoJAq5LP_H0YHo8xHiGv6qtPkaRRvOcUsBJyzXoxrIaxrLaL5W0F-e2DtgJbzw8Kf_IH-pea5YmclnOVyxGf4latbrNP3B4J88QB6GqunVEyCWD9z4VTw63UBdXxB/w372-h640/IMG_20230726_104200%20(1).jpg" width="372" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Like many who bully, The Turd is a pissy-kilt coward (Skidders passim ad nauseum and see legal notice below). Before his inexplicable rise to the Mayoralty Gavan usually used the tradesmen's entrance (no double entendre intended) to enter Oldbury Council House so as to avoid protesters and journalists outside the linkway. And for the first time in living memory he did this last night <b><u>as Mayor</u></b>, which was a sure sign that even this thick plank realised his conduct last week was well out of order.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">There was talk of the Conservative Councillors refusing to stand when The Turd entered the Chamber but they bottled it, and duly rose to honour this POS.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">The Turd was nervous when he started the meeting and read the same passage about filming the meetings out twice. He then had to be shown what to do next. Bent? Billy then said this about last week's shaming degringolade:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #783f04;">"I have reflected on my conduct and accept that it fell short of what is expected of me given my position."</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>THIS IS AFTER JUST 56 DAYS!</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Reading from a prepared script (!) The Turd then "sincerely" apologised to the Council collectively and to two Councillors in particular.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">When Mushtaq Hussain lost the plot there were only a couple of meetings left before the end of his Mayoral term of office and he was replaced for the final meetings. But The Turd is in office until next May and given his vile personality the bookies after offering 4-1 <b>ON</b> that he soils himself and the reputation of the Council again before too much longer. This is frightening, as is the prospect of his Deputy taking the Chair as she gives every outward appearance of being brain-dead!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">As the old saying goes, "we live in interesting times!"</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">* Bent? as in corrupt?, crooked?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdU5Bzw4RFDF4fLDgE4oP3qYjc5W1TMcRXRoZSTIUtIIl-7mmsiItp8uIP8AuEEjEbIPrPBJgNlmVkXdUa8eblBPfBLxbXdftkKH9e3BoMbJQuNMFSgwwnZqIkxw8nM1te1SIbrRGVv14GvclENJtpzF0KYgQ4j_Quhdg9eKVqD3l-qrO8p92bluedbuL/s757/Screenshot_20200109_082840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="757" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdU5Bzw4RFDF4fLDgE4oP3qYjc5W1TMcRXRoZSTIUtIIl-7mmsiItp8uIP8AuEEjEbIPrPBJgNlmVkXdUa8eblBPfBLxbXdftkKH9e3BoMbJQuNMFSgwwnZqIkxw8nM1te1SIbrRGVv14GvclENJtpzF0KYgQ4j_Quhdg9eKVqD3l-qrO8p92bluedbuL/w640-h536/Screenshot_20200109_082840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts or Skidders passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-66028994719916036472023-07-24T08:51:00.005-07:002023-07-24T23:12:58.945-07:00Turd begins to smell + much more!<p><b>Mystic Skidder</b></p><p>On 21st May, 2023 I wrote a blog about Labour's Bent?* Billy Gavan becoming the new Turd Of Sandwell (aka Mayor) who may or may not be one and the same person who raped taxpayers for £5k in a corrupt deal (** blog link below and Skidders passim).</p><p>It was only a matter of time before this POS soiled the mayoral robes and started to behave in his usual appalling manner. In particular, I pointed out that Bent? Billy would soon attack the Tories - not least because he is a prissy ***** who joined the Conservative Party online - but they had the good sense to immediately kick him out when they realised. ROFLMAO!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASC6thnwuSqdwTK7wBUGmyVpohRq7auy8ZmTbc4x9zpOiZul-XH-TVyVePZmfXsWdsmsjtAyx5H86DUQN9I8dA7nVbza0KNpPYLG_aK2x-bFbdCJJ4jOSxf7OEwr_6hvUgjELMMJZlW0RLNIthws4eN_43MHWikj8FNqKhpr3ZA9JAr_CiWp25jFk0fFI/s668/IMG_20230521_124214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="668" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASC6thnwuSqdwTK7wBUGmyVpohRq7auy8ZmTbc4x9zpOiZul-XH-TVyVePZmfXsWdsmsjtAyx5H86DUQN9I8dA7nVbza0KNpPYLG_aK2x-bFbdCJJ4jOSxf7OEwr_6hvUgjELMMJZlW0RLNIthws4eN_43MHWikj8FNqKhpr3ZA9JAr_CiWp25jFk0fFI/w400-h389/IMG_20230521_124214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And so it came to pass at an Extraordinary Meeting of the corrupt Council concerning bent Labour's disastrous dustbins deal with Serco, which has caused so much expense and misery for Sandwell folk. Please take a look at the shocking conduct of The Turd in these two short clips, and note especially his incredible statement that he was "dying" to throw elected members out of the Chamber. I warned Sandwell - from personal experience - that Bent? Billy is a complete **** but he cannot be allowed to get away with this sort of behaviour. Not only is he bringing the Council into even more disrepute (if that is possible) but he is opening up the rotten Borough to potential legal action.</p><p>Turd: the inevitable, Part One</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t7jP6fb-OGo">https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t7jP6fb-OGo</a><br /></p><p>Turd: the inevitable, Part Two</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMKu0uzmxKA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMKu0uzmxKA</a><br /></p><p><b>"Fascist" Rally in Wednesbury (LOL!)</b></p><p>Talking of Bent? Billy, here he is leading an all-white rally of Brexit-loving right-wingers (or whingers) in sh*thole Wednesbury:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dmLeZT91HFIOoJF5EwNNLEkvrAy6CIl8o84IxAcLAIPEa-L1yM27bjmerV5MInFrUamjqiIFMY0pcy6qrDKE29yjsorrfDmiRHpM1HKBLqYzscHDb0TKp4sLb2jYo0U4zwZD2ug2Qe3t7CqRXyjdRU3WC9yHdq2soAnMGD_DHO6q9URxNgBNodT9S9Uv/s1423/IMG_20230722_102503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dmLeZT91HFIOoJF5EwNNLEkvrAy6CIl8o84IxAcLAIPEa-L1yM27bjmerV5MInFrUamjqiIFMY0pcy6qrDKE29yjsorrfDmiRHpM1HKBLqYzscHDb0TKp4sLb2jYo0U4zwZD2ug2Qe3t7CqRXyjdRU3WC9yHdq2soAnMGD_DHO6q9URxNgBNodT9S9Uv/w486-h640/IMG_20230722_102503.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><p>This event was actually a knees-up run by a "charity" called Lets Dance Again (of which more anon) which revels in nostalgic w*nkfests where the same elderly xenophones who shafted their children and grandchildren over Brexit - due to their hatred of "foreigners" - wave Union flags with a frenzy that makes a Nuremberg Rally look restrained.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZJJ1Zb57rsfqPERk7MYz0bEILDykFeiPW4iA-n2IXmTz5iwK-9t4-VMZ-lNE1ITmuMVHynFc0xNcIo2OC6Th0HOR6rjS7MIcG017DBfJ3WM-vfaUtFQFPwcBHgn48InjeUkyQk628u_EamEU20JpLb_87a8buHxcSuO88Zj403W14NfzVYOg4I92Btxw/s1105/IMG_20230724_133924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="841" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZJJ1Zb57rsfqPERk7MYz0bEILDykFeiPW4iA-n2IXmTz5iwK-9t4-VMZ-lNE1ITmuMVHynFc0xNcIo2OC6Th0HOR6rjS7MIcG017DBfJ3WM-vfaUtFQFPwcBHgn48InjeUkyQk628u_EamEU20JpLb_87a8buHxcSuO88Zj403W14NfzVYOg4I92Btxw/w488-h640/IMG_20230724_133924.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><p>One of the "trustees" of the "charity" put up 70 (seventy) photos of the above event on social media and in a startling display of Wednesbury white-power there did not appear to be a single person present who was not lily-white - incredible given the diversity of Sandwell folk, and astonishing in that charities these days are supposed to be "inclusive". Also - this organisation is using large parts of Wednesbury Town Hall for free courtesy of corrupt Sandwell Labour so that the taxpayer is picking-up some of the the tab for these horribly jingoistic assemblies.</p><p>And "cumming" soon is the one event of the year guaranteed to create an orgiastic frenzy over the cod'n'chips (roe and chips also available) - a performance by the D-Day Darlings! Notwithstanding that attendees would have to be 79-plus to have even been born at D-Day there are a miniscule number of flag-wavers who were even around on that fateful day, let alone involved in the invasion but, hey, it was a victory over the kr*uts, and that's all that matters.</p><p><b>It's deja vu all over again!</b></p><p>Of course, Let's Dance Again (LDA) is a plaything of the odious liar, Elaine Costigan (Skidder passim ad nauseum), who has taken the opportunity of getting out of the crap town of Wednesbury asap, and now lives in bucolic Staffordshire. Regular readers will recall her poisonous involvement in an identikit organisation, Wednesbury Celebrates (WC!), which duly became mired in scandal.</p><p>WC screwed the taxpayer and funding organisations as well as being a promotional tool of the bent Labour Council. Many Sandwell charities are, of course, fronts for corrupt local Labour and, as with WC, history is repeating itself. This is part of a letter I recently forwarded to the Charity Commission (with a redacted copy to LDA itself) - unfortunately some of what follows must remain redacted for the time being:</p><p><i>"Let’s Dance Again CIO - registered no: 1202816</i></p><p><i>This so-called “Charity” has only recently registered with you and there is an opportunity for the Commission to intervene here at an early stage and to prevent history repeating itself. The Trustees are apparently flouting Charity Law and urgently need guidance on the appropriate way to conduct themselves.</i></p><p><i>I refer as evidence herein to numerous blog posts published via thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com with regard to a (former) organisation called Wednesbury Celebrates and those relating to Elaine Costigan, who is now a Trustee of Let’s Dance Again CIO (LDA). If the Commission requires assistance I will be happy to refer to specific blog posts. I did, however, make public a redacted copy of a Report I submitted to West Midlands Police in respect of some of the antics at Wednesbury Celebrates:</i></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2015/10/wednesbury-celebrates-crime-report.html</span></span></p><p>[Redacted]</p><p><i>It is of considerable public concern that LDA is a clone of Wednesbury Celebrates in almost every way. This time, however, LDA is a registered with you and you have regulatory oversight.</i></p><p><i>I refer you to the LDA Facebook page:</i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/431916475621940/</span></p><p><i>(Let’s Dance Again CIO - public group.)</i></p><p>[Redacted]</p><p><i>The Trustees of the Charity recently bought expensive tickets specifically for a Labour Fundraising Dinner. I have invited those attending from LDA to confirm whether they used the Charity’s funds to pay for these tickets, but have not received a response as yet. Here is an edited extract of a recent blog post about the event:</i></p><div><span style="color: #800180;">“Interestingly Labour First, which organised the flash dinner event, didn't give much of a discount for tables of ten:</span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;">(Image: "Tickets are £100 per seat or £1,000 for a table of ten")</span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="color: #800180;">Another point of interest is that although this was a political fundraiser a number of people from Let's Dance Again turned up. LDA is, of course, the bastard child of the infamous "Wednesbury Celebrates" run partly by former Councillor Elaine Costigan. That piece of work used Wednesbury Town Hall for the former organisation without bothering to actually pay any rent (Skidders passim and see legal notice below). Since the supposedly "public organisation" folded she has steadfastly refused to say what happened to its remaining money.</span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;">To facilitate Costigan and her pals SMBC decided that, for the most part, community organisations could use Wednesbury Town Hall for free. Costigan and others set up LDA and now boast that they have taken over the balcony for their use and also hold regular events in the main hall with use of the kitchens etc. If Costigan and/or others repeat the previous trick, LDA will also be trying to screw the taxpayer for funds via the bent Council.</span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;">The difference this time is that LDA has recently registered as a "charitable incorporated organisation" (CIO) with the Charity Commission - the trustees being Costigan, Debora Price and Maxine Hipkiss. This means that they will eventually have to file an annual return and accounts which will be publicly available. What is surprising, therefore, is that the Trustees and at least one other LDA person turned up at the Labour fundraiser (if you exclude the cynical view that they hope to screw money out of Sandwell Labour Councillors). Costigan, Price, Hipkiss and someone called "Jo" turned up - ostensibly paying £100 a ticket. No doubt they paid this out of their personal money since it would clearly have been wholly inappropriate to use the CIO's money for such a purpose. I am sure they will hasten to confirm the position so that I do not need to alert the Charity Commission about them too!”</span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;">End of blog extract.</span></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div><div><i>The Labour Mayor of Sandwell is described as a “guest” at the LDA table and it is not clear whether LDA paid for his ticket too. Further, it is not known whether any other expenses for attendance - additional drinks, taxis etc have been booked to the Charity.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>I do not believe what follows is technically illegal but it is very surprising that - just as Wednesbury Celebrates did - LDA is holding collections at events for other charities and not for their own funds! At the latest event the collection was for the Mayor’s Charity and not for LDA itself. Whilst this is a blatant attempt to curry favour with the Mayor it is also surprising noting that LDA will inevitably have to seek external funding as it racks up large losses on its uneconomic events.</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>End of letter.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>External funders will indeed be shocked that LDA is raising money for other charities rather than applying these funds for their own supposedly charitable aims!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>But the Trustees continue to take the p*ss</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Once again LDA has actively been promoting the Labour Party. Here is my second letter to the Charity Commission today which needs to act NOW.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"On 28th June, 2023 I wrote to you regarding serious concerns about two Sandwell charities, Sandwell Leisure Trust and Let’s Dance Again CIO. I await your acknowledgement but, in the meantime, further matters have arisen in respect of the second “Charity”, Let’s Dance Again (LDA) </i></div><div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I should have mentioned in my first letter that this organisation’s address (as shown above) is “℅ Sandwell Council”!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>In my first letter I referred to the trustees using the “Charity” for Party political purposes. The promotion of the Labour mayor and the attendance of the Trustees at a Labour Party fundraising dinner being two of the questionable examples noted.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>A redacted copy of my letter to you was forwarded to the LDA Trustees and they have provided a two-fingered response. LDA used yet another of their events to promote the Labour Mayor (again) and also Labour’s Tom McNeil who has aspirations to be the next Labour candidate for Wedensbury and is currently an Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner. As the attached photos show McNeil was given the stage for propaganda purposes."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Once again the Commission needs to remind the Trustees of the legal nature of charitable status as a matter of urgency.</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>End of letter.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItkbd6tJTRYXISgPVWyHyJNgTrhYepLLiRfswplkxO7JSZ6B7WOeX0bqz8ofTcK8Rrf_kVjLdT1YYcp_DzkFKkb0w7x5NGP-qWpa1B8p5f7blV_zg7Ntkaz2uandElGDgHPBS4D1yxl_QHg0xaZoH9lfHUpLg_D4DfVogYlSkSJmBUOWuPZj3hHffzID-/s1339/IMG_20230724_160214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItkbd6tJTRYXISgPVWyHyJNgTrhYepLLiRfswplkxO7JSZ6B7WOeX0bqz8ofTcK8Rrf_kVjLdT1YYcp_DzkFKkb0w7x5NGP-qWpa1B8p5f7blV_zg7Ntkaz2uandElGDgHPBS4D1yxl_QHg0xaZoH9lfHUpLg_D4DfVogYlSkSJmBUOWuPZj3hHffzID-/w516-h640/IMG_20230724_160214.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div>(Note that The Turd has donned the Mayoral Chain for this propaganda exercise!)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke4Fqg1dOgywrmENakEPxyHdSzgM9kaiORIBaSB2bgt2SbVaBmUEVZNwliDxfRg8GI5bYe7Yo1ZStg-sYHXBBnj2oMpwYpqOhcdt_4HHwJajoXNY9ksEfR5fXd1GCRAGapzXGSWpLOulPE44X_-VtyVFboWCIxZTtzC3z0Ztt2lz56PvU5vShfYECNt2t/s1461/Screenshot_2023-07-24-16-13-28-88_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke4Fqg1dOgywrmENakEPxyHdSzgM9kaiORIBaSB2bgt2SbVaBmUEVZNwliDxfRg8GI5bYe7Yo1ZStg-sYHXBBnj2oMpwYpqOhcdt_4HHwJajoXNY9ksEfR5fXd1GCRAGapzXGSWpLOulPE44X_-VtyVFboWCIxZTtzC3z0Ztt2lz56PvU5vShfYECNt2t/w474-h640/Screenshot_2023-07-24-16-13-28-88_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And here he is - McNeil given a platform:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNoAmkVFd6SWuHjIYLG9qZJ5lJbtJ90eHDYeLpu7GXmQmY21jmd-P-Gko2M0pUj6ichTBJMOOPbm97peZUwmq9bQFgMTQ2kUsHua7wiMvj98vFLCKX7Mw1wZIxsGJDiQ_5nz0h_O4nn7oKK9AeRiapY-XtNawzGA38ZoApSe_KoRpdpXQWNPcwEkR94v5/s1212/IMG_20230724_161934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="680" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNoAmkVFd6SWuHjIYLG9qZJ5lJbtJ90eHDYeLpu7GXmQmY21jmd-P-Gko2M0pUj6ichTBJMOOPbm97peZUwmq9bQFgMTQ2kUsHua7wiMvj98vFLCKX7Mw1wZIxsGJDiQ_5nz0h_O4nn7oKK9AeRiapY-XtNawzGA38ZoApSe_KoRpdpXQWNPcwEkR94v5/w360-h640/IMG_20230724_161934.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Langley Labour encourage kids to execute enemies of Socialism</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The Turd ran back to bent Labour Langley after The Tories scraped this particular piece of sh*t off their shoes. The three Labour Councillors in that foul ward back, amongst other things, the destruction of Lion Farm Fields. And via social media they also encourage kids to guillotine enemies in what they still perceive to be an ongoing class war. Nice people (not)!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2kGbrqCf54PSmV9qxqvTztap22DznQhS2fJ0i-Dx0btf7FLKROh9NE3NfG5Za8Csw_dFGnWzTwq8r4i8gAkuyXyIMrm6vyukeGA-nyMp0Gs2T7BX6xl55VoK485RfO2BiF0LtxbaAtbNbnjx0N2Vqd8ZfJA5s6VX4cIQKl6_JKa40Ex5Lus0VfYaHxw2/s1080/Screenshot_2023-07-24-16-11-29-57_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1080" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2kGbrqCf54PSmV9qxqvTztap22DznQhS2fJ0i-Dx0btf7FLKROh9NE3NfG5Za8Csw_dFGnWzTwq8r4i8gAkuyXyIMrm6vyukeGA-nyMp0Gs2T7BX6xl55VoK485RfO2BiF0LtxbaAtbNbnjx0N2Vqd8ZfJA5s6VX4cIQKl6_JKa40Ex5Lus0VfYaHxw2/w640-h618/Screenshot_2023-07-24-16-11-29-57_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>And finally - more Sandwell history ...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I am archiving some Skidder material at the moment and re-discovered this recently about one of Costigan's gallowglasses. Mr X wrote to a third party:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Walsall Council arranged for me to have an enhanced DBS [criminal record] certificate as one of their community champions (child workforce) so I could be involved in taking photos ... ". He seemed to think this was rather amusing when on social media:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu-PPgjRXguXkCkS2yUaB_eqynQIvSQ6JjIDf_v65sGZwjCATOECIZlMcXuMYqrg6X3bVXGxIDk3SLlwY_YekH1l5n6QLJWkXJBBbfdnCbEdTO2Zrd0EBDGD8ASJNmmY2w5YKxkg7CK_feQ-2t3D4oDEmx8qkhCv2F86fpCM18bAFMSNMKqq5kZ043lkg/s784/Screenshot_2023-07-18-12-19-47-93_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="784" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu-PPgjRXguXkCkS2yUaB_eqynQIvSQ6JjIDf_v65sGZwjCATOECIZlMcXuMYqrg6X3bVXGxIDk3SLlwY_YekH1l5n6QLJWkXJBBbfdnCbEdTO2Zrd0EBDGD8ASJNmmY2w5YKxkg7CK_feQ-2t3D4oDEmx8qkhCv2F86fpCM18bAFMSNMKqq5kZ043lkg/w640-h204/Screenshot_2023-07-18-12-19-47-93_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Happily there is no evidence of him taking inappropriate photos of children, but Mr X was interested in another type of shot which is now illegal (racist expression redacted):</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b9FEOiEYjMGceeWdDtZVZduZAyvvjOz0JZMzdZpniEqUTEg5mIKmDIU9scentRuWWz11WcE6t0QHDUNogySsashChtlOxsWI21j6KYbxwpeZZUeDhOP8OWD3FqL6ew-r4Sqqe76Fv4s7b08w9rv2ofQply0SvkRYb1hkQpZ-XUfjh-qrlB5cEseGW7ry/s1022/IMG_20230718_121655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b9FEOiEYjMGceeWdDtZVZduZAyvvjOz0JZMzdZpniEqUTEg5mIKmDIU9scentRuWWz11WcE6t0QHDUNogySsashChtlOxsWI21j6KYbxwpeZZUeDhOP8OWD3FqL6ew-r4Sqqe76Fv4s7b08w9rv2ofQply0SvkRYb1hkQpZ-XUfjh-qrlB5cEseGW7ry/w526-h640/IMG_20230718_121655.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><br /></div><div>What a charming place sick Sandwell is!</div><div><br /></div><div>* Bent? as in crooked or corrupt.</div><p>** <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/05/turd-is-new-mayor-of-sandwell.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/05/turd-is-new-mayor-of-sandwell.html</a></p><p><b>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></p><p><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></p><p><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></p><p><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></p><p><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></p><p><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></p><p><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></p><p><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></p><p><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-28407571668148758932023-07-12T04:04:00.003-07:002023-07-12T06:05:47.003-07:00Early death in Sadders, Piper the Hypocrite and more on the Cops.<p>Those who interact with The Skidder on social media (contact details at the bottom of this post) will know that I had hoped to bring you a big story at the end of last week. For legal reasons (which will be explained shortly) I was unable to do so, but there may be developments tomorrow. Watch this space!</p><p><b>More taxpayers' cash up in smoke!</b></p><p>I have explained to Sandwell folk a number of times that their life expectancy in the Borough is lower - sometimes considerably lower - than elsewhere after 49 years of corrupt Labour dictatorship. Some recent statistics show this, er, graphically as shown by this info on just three of the benighted Borough’s wards:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DMAznLD7Gjn9Fs8esdJKJHmCooK05__PrVHQvOefgdmCcLH9GIPaJSpBqtZfoyo1SMrrwVMU7FU_w77p-7GQYZBuZdxw73QlrsLbcNrYyliLKg-nk13ltF8vxto7pBIie8BZh0EP9UvAAMmCjPqpZulrW5fDatr3AlrSO3iWRoopq530YEApBkR81V6l/s729/Screenshot_2023-07-04-20-41-06-04_4bb16f8408bc17a707a6a6f9f7d7aaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DMAznLD7Gjn9Fs8esdJKJHmCooK05__PrVHQvOefgdmCcLH9GIPaJSpBqtZfoyo1SMrrwVMU7FU_w77p-7GQYZBuZdxw73QlrsLbcNrYyliLKg-nk13ltF8vxto7pBIie8BZh0EP9UvAAMmCjPqpZulrW5fDatr3AlrSO3iWRoopq530YEApBkR81V6l/w340-h400/Screenshot_2023-07-04-20-41-06-04_4bb16f8408bc17a707a6a6f9f7d7aaaa.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyQs5RlDvX44mG-sdR3xnRW2d7kIvllrPKDj2eccUPaUoCdvg1Q6yQJeqBekIl0slvi8B1fqtR0EYEwt2Jr96_yJGrvApV-ka8k3ohGqW74-IPVgF8YgIB7WcppyQPiMoUFmGJAiJ4Xk54ArVfHAC4Kw0keHaBSNBn41Ji-oXzD8Ci4jzgZC3b5DifwA0/s851/Screenshot_2023-07-04-20-40-24-50_4bb16f8408bc17a707a6a6f9f7d7aaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyQs5RlDvX44mG-sdR3xnRW2d7kIvllrPKDj2eccUPaUoCdvg1Q6yQJeqBekIl0slvi8B1fqtR0EYEwt2Jr96_yJGrvApV-ka8k3ohGqW74-IPVgF8YgIB7WcppyQPiMoUFmGJAiJ4Xk54ArVfHAC4Kw0keHaBSNBn41Ji-oXzD8Ci4jzgZC3b5DifwA0/w279-h400/Screenshot_2023-07-04-20-40-24-50_4bb16f8408bc17a707a6a6f9f7d7aaaa.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxRgVhfk1Hwv-eCbVzkwVwdPNoCWUMnzQWppbes4cmC9yZF5JQglhGV0B_dHbW0t6eHM0g-b2p15iXTfLS6fpWjdGbnr_n1nqLt5p0RRRZXytX721Z_KZRqNCW6ZjLn0C_jbJRyVtqJzFQ7bPJesv_B_RmRs2yDj_vNEEDIRrXqYRk_9Q0KO1gCu5NI-l/s1105/Screenshot_2023-07-04-20-40-00-36_4bb16f8408bc17a707a6a6f9f7d7aaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="614" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxRgVhfk1Hwv-eCbVzkwVwdPNoCWUMnzQWppbes4cmC9yZF5JQglhGV0B_dHbW0t6eHM0g-b2p15iXTfLS6fpWjdGbnr_n1nqLt5p0RRRZXytX721Z_KZRqNCW6ZjLn0C_jbJRyVtqJzFQ7bPJesv_B_RmRs2yDj_vNEEDIRrXqYRk_9Q0KO1gCu5NI-l/w357-h640/Screenshot_2023-07-04-20-40-00-36_4bb16f8408bc17a707a6a6f9f7d7aaaa.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br /><p>The good news is that locals are likely to slip away before their time in Sh*thole Sadders where rates of cancer, circulatory disease, coronary heart disease, strokes and respiratory disease lead to horrifically increased mortality rates. At least corruption-loving morons won't have to endure life under the Labour jackboot as long as they might if they lived an "average" lifespan.</p><p>No wonder the likes of foul-mouthed Cllr Laura Rollins - who works on NHS data - couldn’t wait to move out of the poisonous dump.</p><p>One of the answers to this from sick Labour is to build on contaminated land wherever possible, and to destroy as much of the green space left in the urban dystopia as they can - Brandhall (see below), Londonderry Fields, Lion Farm Fields etc.</p><p>Sandwell Labour's latest wheeze (pun intended) is to appoint a Tobacco Czar at a mere £49,950 per annum! As an ex-smoker I do not see it is my role to lecture folk on giving-up save to say that there are now gums, patches and the like to assist would-be quitters, and even official medical help in some cases. There cannot be anyone out there apart from the mentally-ill or irredeemably stupid who are not aware of the clear message that smoking is bad for one’s health and so it is unclear why the taxpayer has got to pony-up another fifty grand per year (plus employment expenses and gold-plated pension) for someone to repeat this very clear message. In any event, bent Sandwell already has a sizeable public health department whom taxpayers surely expect to be already “on the case”.</p><p>As ever with bent Labour all is not quite as it seems. The new tobacco nanny must also cover, er, gambling addiction or as the job advert describes it: </p><p><i>“The post will also support delivery towards reducing harms for other <b>commercial determinants</b> (my emphasis) of health including gambling” and</i></p><p><i>“The role will include project management of an approach to address harms from all age tobacco/nicotine and gambling in particular.”</i></p><p>Whilst there is one readily available medical paper on the alleged correlation between gambling and nicotine addiction they are chalk and cheese. Many smokers are not gamblers, of course. The medical definitions of the two “harms” are different. Nicotine dependence is mostly pharmacological - hence the gums and patches - whereas pathological gambling is a behavioural disorder where the treatment is usually psychiatric assessment and counselling. </p><p>[There is an excellent organisation called Gamblers Anonymous if you need help. There does not appear to be a meeting site within Sandwell but there are ones in Quinton, Birmingham and Dudley - 0330 094 0322.]</p><p>Clearly the Czar will need to be an "expert" across the range - perhaps like the unlamented Mouth of the Mersey.</p><p>Of course, this blog has pointed out that pathological gambling amongst Sandwell Council STAFF is now so bad that bent Labour and the Unions have set up a “charter” to deal with the problem! Perhaps getting them back into offices might help? And the pathetic little spiv from South London who purports to be the MP for Warley, John Spellar, has been taking expensive freebies from the bookies and their trade organisation and then praising their industry in Parliament! Here he is my recent video expressing pride in being a greedy ****:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5P-wQNSHzNQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="5P-wQNSHzNQ"></iframe></div><p><b>Piper and The Nimby’s</b></p><p>Comrade Robert Francis Piper is, of course, one of the vilest people in Sadders and gratuitously offensive to anyone who does not share his warped crypto-Bolshevik views. Whilst promulgating the nonsense of his guru, The Jezzatollah (aka Jerry “Jeremy” Corbyn), he loves to amass personal wealth - hence why he is raking in taxpayers’ dosh as “Deputy Leader” at age 76 (almost the same age as that other money-grubbing scumbag, Jeremy Knight Adams, whom Piper is trying to help destroy Lion Farm Fields).</p><p>In a public Council meeting, “Seig Heil*” Piper laid into the many people objecting to Labour’s plan to destroy a substantial part of Brandhall Green Space. The area around the beautiful Brandhall Green Space is RELATIVELY affluent by the standards of the Sandwell poverty ghetto, but the Bearwood Bolshie accused locals of being Nimby’s - a term of abuse usually reserved for middle class + people who object to building in their villages/neighbourhoods - hence the acronym which stands for “Not In My Back Yard.”</p><p>Of course, this is rich from the former paper-clip pusher at Walsall Council who lives directly opposite the heavily protected (unlike Brandhall) landscape that is Warley Woods. Indeed, here is a picture from outside his house of his delightful sylvan surroundings:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3VeIK8TuCf7LfBGeiyZjkocTs2Q6xXlYlmJfg0r_pUM_6k8nTDGBPdr36PejURZYSdfkbenQf2RzFaTUlo6b7yzLf255c7T7jpx6f8zpytTt6e9Ji9Aen5BRxI5ojfshdptC0U4PxLj9BjMLEE84oo7ECF1BMAaYxgvEYRvatOslX6_XJLNbcCR--SY6/s3604/IMG_20230711_095101%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3604" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3VeIK8TuCf7LfBGeiyZjkocTs2Q6xXlYlmJfg0r_pUM_6k8nTDGBPdr36PejURZYSdfkbenQf2RzFaTUlo6b7yzLf255c7T7jpx6f8zpytTt6e9Ji9Aen5BRxI5ojfshdptC0U4PxLj9BjMLEE84oo7ECF1BMAaYxgvEYRvatOslX6_XJLNbcCR--SY6/w532-h640/IMG_20230711_095101%20(1).jpg" width="532" /></a></div><p>Incidentally, bent Sandwell Labour originally suggested Warley Woods as a possible site for The Scrotum (the Commonwealth Games Pool). Labour were desperate to build the white elephant anywhere they could and without any planning or due diligence whatsoever. After all, folks, it’s your money they are wasting not theirs. Of course. this supposedly “Green” Labour Group destroyed Londonderry Fields instead. When originally suggesting Warley Woods, however, they listed the site as Council-owned. But the indefatigable Viv Cole of the Warley Woods Trust has pointed out that most of the site is owned by, er, Birmingham City Council which then leased the Park to Sandwell who, in turn, leased it to the Trust. Thus bent Labour do not “own” it.</p><p>Whilst Piper is desperate to destroy green space for the residents adjacent to Brandhall there is no chance of his own view and lovely local amenity being wiped out. Warley Woods is Grade II listed and is smothered with covenants preventing building (including housing). Lucky old Bob!</p><p>Of course, another Labour politician who was instrumental in the plan to destroy Brandhall was another Corbynista, “Red” Yvonne Davies. Whilst happy to wreck the environment for locals she moved to a near-half million pound “cottage” in Herefordshire - so surrounded by gorgeous mature woodland it is almost impossible to see it from the road!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3LBmb7fCdNbBD9p7Nnl907poMB4NimIOebFSc7d5BNq-hHBo0M_FXaibXBZvygwrO4CYTyGblElCXp7USD5wyTuUihXJvEk7jSA1wTpTdPIuRYIw5fQndQdJPa3l_Sr4VvAgBLSdyXu7C7QeQBkeZljOYR97UVvvb8zNT-rpcShR_pY99_fxo5L7JXKt/s1236/Screenshot_20200910-151457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3LBmb7fCdNbBD9p7Nnl907poMB4NimIOebFSc7d5BNq-hHBo0M_FXaibXBZvygwrO4CYTyGblElCXp7USD5wyTuUihXJvEk7jSA1wTpTdPIuRYIw5fQndQdJPa3l_Sr4VvAgBLSdyXu7C7QeQBkeZljOYR97UVvvb8zNT-rpcShR_pY99_fxo5L7JXKt/w560-h640/Screenshot_20200910-151457.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Workless Tipton Cops are at it again!</b></p><p>On the face of it there was some good news in Tipton this week. After a prolonged campaign by West Brom West Conservative MP, Shaun Bailey, and local Tory Councillors, Tipton Police Station has been saved from closure - at least for now.</p><p>However, you have to wonder what the point is given that local Blues have so little to do in crime-free Tipton that these taxpayer-paid individuals can go out litter-picking! </p><p>In my recent post (link below) I asked who the hell was authorising PC’s and PCSO’s to go out doing this type of work (which the taxpayer already pays the bent Labour Council /Serco to supposedly do anyway). The answer was two-fingers up from the underworked cops who then published themselves out doing it again! And this time the Bent Blues did another "copsucker" tweet bragging that officers (plural) had been out litter-picking with their pals at deeply corrupt Sandwell Council! WTF is going on?</p><p><a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/06/bent-cops-bin-strike-special.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2023/06/bent-cops-bin-strike-special.html</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo49z88IjbHirIa2xLqtlDtkFhTzxnGTsU_t27szihoKjyEhqgH7wCqlDmN20jLtC7lS1ZjNIyUo3vRwRe2cVMB6E32r1s-6536CAddi3HZVmIlN_U6ZU-lcEGlIyqYg3AL8GLzCFqdKwJAvrhXAWZ2H58-CSzYNYpPaM1To2b1zRe7XVIxJdAWsNAvZRy/s1234/Screenshot_2023-07-11-12-06-38-99_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="799" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo49z88IjbHirIa2xLqtlDtkFhTzxnGTsU_t27szihoKjyEhqgH7wCqlDmN20jLtC7lS1ZjNIyUo3vRwRe2cVMB6E32r1s-6536CAddi3HZVmIlN_U6ZU-lcEGlIyqYg3AL8GLzCFqdKwJAvrhXAWZ2H58-CSzYNYpPaM1To2b1zRe7XVIxJdAWsNAvZRy/w414-h640/Screenshot_2023-07-11-12-06-38-99_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><p><b>But … a new broom?</b></p><p>Rather than picking up a few Twix wrappers in Tipton we need Sandwell Police to sweep away the corruption promulgated by Sandwell Labour. There have been a few promising signs in recent times - Chief Super Rich Baker took a while, but finally realised that WMP were being played by bent Labour. And TCS Maria Fox also seemed to be aware that unquestioning support for corrupt Labour was not the way ahead. But there has been one step forward and two steps back in the last few years. There are also a worrying number of Councillors and their cronies now who have close contact with local drug and crime barons - the same ones who allegedly have close “partnerships” with, er, WMP officers.</p><p>Anyway - fair play - we need to give the new head honcho a chance and so welcome and “good luck” to Sandwell Chief Superintendent Kim Madill (pictured).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvvIAn-Ek9DKFp2gmv4th53wF9a1dsLVDGO3me3xbjLWitmEp741cfIBgueDcaUwGzU_DlXAhfTKgNDUBztRgKm6IzExKkPk63E6lp88oqqaHJh1EMIH2KPpO21HhSUwGpxXvB1otEHBVgtUB8yCoelA_jnaXirJJBW8HwCdXl-oxLvhzlq8-wxnj7aPq/s931/Screenshot_2023-07-11-12-21-57-77_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="931" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvvIAn-Ek9DKFp2gmv4th53wF9a1dsLVDGO3me3xbjLWitmEp741cfIBgueDcaUwGzU_DlXAhfTKgNDUBztRgKm6IzExKkPk63E6lp88oqqaHJh1EMIH2KPpO21HhSUwGpxXvB1otEHBVgtUB8yCoelA_jnaXirJJBW8HwCdXl-oxLvhzlq8-wxnj7aPq/w640-h416/Screenshot_2023-07-11-12-21-57-77_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Skidder News</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I am attempting to work on several projects at the moment including Sandwell stuff. But I will be stepping up Sandwell work over the coming weeks. To that end I am now specifically working in Sandwell (Bearwood) one day a week (usually Tuesdays). If anyone needs to meet me and they can get to Bearwood so much the better but other arrangements can be made by appointment as usual. Email address below.</div><div><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">* So-named as he walked into a crowded Oldbury pub and gave a Nazi salute whilst shouting "Seig Heil". Laughably he was Chair of bent Labour Sandwell's Licensing Committee at the time!!!!!</span></p><p><b>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></p><p><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></p><p><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></p><p><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></p><p><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></p><p><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></p><p><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</span></p><p>I<b> cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to</b> <b>a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></p><p><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></p><p><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></p><p><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></p><p><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></p><div><br /></div></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-56338384804410511712023-07-06T10:12:00.072-07:002023-08-09T00:09:30.953-07:00Sandwell Council - Rolling Log of Employee Misconduct and Outside Interests<div><b>BREAKING NEWS - Gillian Douglas, bent Labour's Director of Housing is leaving after just two years. The plan was to clear out the dross (excluding Surjit Tour) and bring some stability at the top of the paid service. Well that went well ...</b></div><div><br /></div>In the real world of work - outside the feather-bedded environment of local authorities - employees are usually obliged by their contracts to obey rules and to act diligently. But at bent Labour Sandwell Council a number of employees have sinned in various ways - from facilitating corruption to shocking incompetence.<div><br /></div><div>In many cases miscreants have been paid-off with large sums of public money. Invariably they sign gagging-clauses to prevent them from spilling the beans. But, in many cases, these people face no sanction at all for their misconduct, negligence or ineffectiveness.</div><div><br /></div><div>This blog has recorded many incidents of wrongdoing from theft to gross incompetence. But these incidents are usually kept secret. Further, there has been a deliberate policy of failing to keep records. This ranges from outright fraud - like the bent Lion Farm deal - and the wholesale destruction of records (unquestioned on numerous occasions by the Office of the Information Commissioner and even by the Information Rights Tribunal), right through to staff who simply cannot be arsed to fulfil their contractual duties.</div><div><br /></div><div>There has been a history of dealing and consumption of Class A drugs within the workforce. Some specific names have been supplied to Sandwell Police over the years but, inevitably, they have not moved against their pals.</div><div><br /></div><div>We now know that many employees are supposedly "working from home" so that the Oldbury Kremlin is now like the Marie Celeste. It remains to be seen whether this fact is linked to the apparent upsurge in gambling addiction within the shirkforce. Apparently bent Labour and the Unions claim this addictive behaviour is now so bad that they have had to agree a "Charter" so that taxpayers' can also fork out for the rehabilitation of the pen-pushing punters! When it comes to bent Labour, Sandwell taxpayers - like mug punters - always lose.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the circumstances, The Skidder Team is starting a rolling blog post to name errant employees. As SMBC staff face no sanction for most wrongdoing, it is appropriate to shine a spotlight on what has been happening so that taxpayers can ask their Councillors why this deeply corrupt Council (currently in Government "special measures") causes and/or permits this continuing sh*tshow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another issue that this post - which will be updated from time to time - will deal with is the moonlighting of a number of staff. The normal rules in most councils are that employees wishing to do work on the side must get permission from line managers and, clearly, this must not conflict with the "day job". Further there is a Register of Interests where employees are usually required to list outside interests. As we shall see, in bent Labour Sandwell Council, the likes of fraudster Naseem Khan (pictured here recently with spiv John Spellar MP) simply did not report his interest in four companies to his employers. (His business interests were well known to a number of Labour Councillors who kept schtum.) Even if employees do make disclosure, the public are not allowed to see this as Sandwell claims this would be unlawful disclosure of personal data. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNkin8cXBybgxiRbfTbtE0P9t5CRJ09EkahCCup_QIBMb19_IrQ4TMHVTeSTEBJiKXn2Xh2f1ea5bgoZmYcJsLjvp9cB15FXPZ1c7RK7kZoi-S0CeRy0sskyrbGeeJZMhMnjhvOsa00_VNF66bzOUTtC_aLl9CpGhpL6KXWsykFwX2xwpJcudQQmyKuKS/s792/IMG_20230531_064249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNkin8cXBybgxiRbfTbtE0P9t5CRJ09EkahCCup_QIBMb19_IrQ4TMHVTeSTEBJiKXn2Xh2f1ea5bgoZmYcJsLjvp9cB15FXPZ1c7RK7kZoi-S0CeRy0sskyrbGeeJZMhMnjhvOsa00_VNF66bzOUTtC_aLl9CpGhpL6KXWsykFwX2xwpJcudQQmyKuKS/w566-h640/IMG_20230531_064249.jpg" width="566" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is a matter of considerable public interest that some employees cannot live on their taxpayer-provided income and need to take on extra jobs to enhance their wealth. Further, most taxpayers will be concerned that the likes of Khan can run side-hustles whilst supposedly devoting themselves to full-time for the service of the public. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is not illegal to take on additional jobs (subject to contractual disclosure) and no such imputation should be taken from an employee's inclusion in this blog. As ever, readers - including employees - are referred to the Legal Notice below.</div><div><br /></div><div>Accordingly, as Sandwell are trying to keep these issues secret The Skidder Team will be providing this log. It should be noted that some of those listed may have now left SMBC but records show that they were running businesses contemporaneously with their employment.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are some employees who have left whom we are still interested in, such as David Stevens and Stuart Lackenby . We are also interested for more on the employee who worked mostly on her back during Covid - "debriefing" a Labour Councillor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the following are historical incidents or ones that are some years old, but which have mostly only recently come to light. The list is rather sparse at the moment but we are checking anecdotal evidence about a number of other individuals, including regarding property interests. We will add to this "blog log" from time to time. Please feel free to add your own experiences via any of the contact methods set out below.</div><div><br /></div><div>Incidentally, most Sandwell Council employees are on a cushy number as it is, but Labour and the unions are beginning to press for a 4-day week on the same pay. SMBC is full of dross but the evidence is that where clever people swing a 4-day week they do not use the spare day for leisure but do extra work elsewhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>Names below in surname alphabetical order.</div><div><br /></div><div>Version 3 - 07/08/23 (Addition in Blue)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jan Britton</b> - this **** got away with (metaphorical) murder. Most of his misdeeds are secret, but he was instrumental with Eling and others in institutionalising corruption in the benighted Borough. He used an encrypted Blackberry to conceal his misconduct and leave no "paper trail". He colluded with Paul Reeves (see below) with regard to the evidence at a criminal trial and then lied in the witness box. Incredibly, given his all-powerful status, Sandwell Council itself reported him to West Midlands Police where his son was working at the time. Needless to say the Bent Blues did nothing. The good news was that when his disgrace belatedly came he was booted out without the usual mega pay-off - just receiving the money he was contractually entitled to. The bad news is that local government is a sick world. You might wonder who on earth would employ someone with such an appalling - and well-documented - record but the answer is Joe Harris, the Leader of Cotswold District Council. He and others decided that four councils in the area need a useless liar mired in corruption scandals to run their administrations, and so Britton walked straight into a job with Publica Group which runs the quartet.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kim Bromley-Derry</b> - appointed as Interim Chief Executive in a rigged process following the sacking of disgraced David Stevens this guy was allowed to retain his position as a Group Director of property developer, McLaren Construction Group. When the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove, put bent Labour Sandwell into "special measures" he bizarrely appointed KBD as the lead Commissioner - despite his conduct (particularly in respect of the Imogen Walker affair). Gove also permitted him to retain his McLaren directorship.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Brian Carmichael </b>- husband of the lying "Leader" of bent Labour Sandwell, Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael and on the taxpayer payroll at SMBC. Dim Kez reports that he is employed as an "Architectural Technologist" who also does "private work on private properties".</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Cllr Steve Eling - This is a slightly odd entry in this list since Eling was not an employee of Sandwell Council but the political Leader of it whilst also working at another Labour basket-case Council, Rotherham. Thus he was raking-in pay at one council and allowances at the other.</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eling was reported by a number of Sandwell employees as having a vile temper and he institutionalised the corruption which was already rampant when he was one of two Deputy Leaders. Rotherham MBC claimed that he was working for them as a “political officer” but that this was NOT a politically-restricted post.</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">As the corruption intensified on his watch at Sandwell the long-serving and (too) loyal Cabinet secretaries were suspended after Eling thought they had exposed the Monitoring Officer in what appeared to be misconduct. A Councillor in the private section of the Council House where the Leader’s Office is situated was heard screaming, “I want the f*ckers out and I don’t want the f*ckers back”. Many sources say this was Eling and he has never formally denied the allegation. (As it was, Eling was totally wrong and the secretaries were not the whistleblowers. They were all reinstated with an apology and a small compensation payment. The principal senior employee doing Eling’s dirty work was hapless s.151 officer Darren Carter who moved on to Reading Council despite his track record.)</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Since Eling was splitting his time between Sandwell and Rotherham (and actually living for most of the time in a pretty north Derbyshire village) he needed a right-hand man to be his enforcer at Sandwell whilst he was absent, and he chose a ludicrous figure, Cllr Richard Marshall. The pair met with me and in return for exposing two other of their senior Labour Councillors (which I was doing already) they offered to feed me confidential Council information or, as they put it, there would be “more leaks than Wales”. </span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">To that end the pair set up a WhatsApp account to send the confidential information to me. Most of the feed is available at my posts dated 5th November, 2017: Steve Eling - You Are A F*cking Liar!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amongst much appalling output the pair (a) asked me to give the female Assistant Chief Executive “a good kicking”, (b) suggested they might arrange a travellers’ site next door to an enemy’s property development so the travellers could “shit in the gardens” of the new houses, (c) alleged that a fellow Labour Councillor's Partner was a transexual or, as they put it, “a cock in a frock, and (d) envisaged a married Labour Councillor “sp*nking” over a female Councillor “in her bikini” since this would be better than the male “doing his wife” - also a Labour Councillor.</span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Despite Rotherham Council having full knowledge of all this, and in the sick, sick, world of local government, they made Eling their “Equalities Officer”. Eling was suspended by the Labour Party and did not contest his Council seat but remains the Chair of an important local charity, Warley Woods Community Trust, who think he is wonderful and are content to ignore his truly shocking track record (of which this extract only details a small part).</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><b>Adrian Hackwood</b> - according to Hackwood himself, he started at SMBC as a techniical assistant way back in 1989 but became a Neighbourhood Repairs Officer from 1995 "to present" - although a SMBC document states that he joined the Urban Design and Building Services Team as a "Stock Condition Surveyor". However he also states that from August 2009 "to present" (nearly 14 years) he has also run his own Company "Hackwood Property Assessors" providing building surveys, reports, inventories etc. He also claims to be contacted with "Elmhurst Energy".</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Naseem Khan</b> - the recently convicted fraudster has been dismissed by the bent Labour Council despite his close relationship with many Labour Councillors - notably the deeply corrupt liar Simon Hackett and also Lachrymose Luke Giles. He was running four limited companies whilst employed by the taxpayer and failed to declare any of them to his employers. Oh and here is the fraudster out and about with Cllr Pam Randhawa - the Chair of Sandwell Police's Independent Advisory Group!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq81ZvvkFo4XfcQ-wxstEdx88aYiG9S1pBSTCyfXq0DUWB1sJq5m0Y-O-8uNKoP58y7MPDHBe2HRliuqoq2uq75KDrsgurH5NXAa2wnxK3gPzK0_upiSO3Qg4sCG8-M0DSAOdxu7hjaRmdRR7d_-xweMXwO0TsQcELAxBorf8Dd9JWd57wGxM0nz05an-/s1080/Screenshot_2023-02-08-09-29-00-73_e307a3f9df9f380ebaf106e1dc980bb6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1080" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq81ZvvkFo4XfcQ-wxstEdx88aYiG9S1pBSTCyfXq0DUWB1sJq5m0Y-O-8uNKoP58y7MPDHBe2HRliuqoq2uq75KDrsgurH5NXAa2wnxK3gPzK0_upiSO3Qg4sCG8-M0DSAOdxu7hjaRmdRR7d_-xweMXwO0TsQcELAxBorf8Dd9JWd57wGxM0nz05an-/w640-h440/Screenshot_2023-02-08-09-29-00-73_e307a3f9df9f380ebaf106e1dc980bb6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Paul Reeves</b> - this POS (happily now gone) infamously ran a gardening business, Paul's Gardens, whilst working for the Council. Astonishingly, disgraced liar and former Chief Exec, Jan Britton, made Reeeves head of security at the height of the Eling-era corruption. Previously he had worked hand in glove with wifebeater Leader, Darren Cooper, in using social media to "troll" me and my wife. Here is an example of his malicious and defamatory handiwork concerning my wife:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtJ1dxMG3ZWP4r0Z9-LbSUTiEYCpA7355a82yZmIqfoGtrkvRu1qZ2_jHFmW7T-kOTEhhubRfyD0jDFEtDTdTZyAIbIiPbwuyrUtYM51OUF6huhMSUmEg6UzTc4DyBoX9Hqxid2mZoOFffOCHwHeswOa8U96bEdsmyH86hGUj8GHPhxZjYyBH8m-xv5k2/s1080/Screenshot_2023-07-03-16-19-22-02_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="1080" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtJ1dxMG3ZWP4r0Z9-LbSUTiEYCpA7355a82yZmIqfoGtrkvRu1qZ2_jHFmW7T-kOTEhhubRfyD0jDFEtDTdTZyAIbIiPbwuyrUtYM51OUF6huhMSUmEg6UzTc4DyBoX9Hqxid2mZoOFffOCHwHeswOa8U96bEdsmyH86hGUj8GHPhxZjYyBH8m-xv5k2/w640-h206/Screenshot_2023-07-03-16-19-22-02_e2d5b3f32b79de1d45acd1fad96fbb0f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Of course, as regular readers know, Reeves has some great pals in corrupt West Mids Police. They declined to charge him and Jan Britton after the pair (a) colluded in respect of their evidence at the notorious "C*cksucker Trial", and (b) lied on oath in the witness box - both Reeves and Britton made exactly the same false statement. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kelly Robinson</b> - an Operations Manager of long standing at bent Labour Sandwell who states on LinkedIn that she is also a "property developer", being a Director of Pepperbox Properties Limited (which is confirmed by Companies House).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>David Stevens </b>- another disgraced Chief Exec who was sacked by short-lived "Leader" Rajbir "The Boy Blunder" Singh, who himself did a moonlight flit amidst lurid rumours. The truth has yet to come out on the sacking but we live in hope ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Facebook: Julian Saunders </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall </b></div><div><b>use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180;">Version 1 - 06/07/23; Version 2 - 15/07/23; Version 3 - 07/08/23;</span></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242897701905183495.post-11626470082651941652023-06-30T07:33:00.003-07:002023-06-30T07:33:58.740-07:00Bent Cops & Bin Strike Special!<p>Firstly, I feel the need to share with you some correspondence I have had with West Midlands Police (WMP). I am looking to sue West Midlands Police for unlawfully sharing my personal data in 2018 with Sandwell's highly controversial Monitoring Officer, Surjit Tour, and another - external - Solicitor, Jonathan Goolden who was brought in by Tour to exonerate former Leader, Steve "Squealing" Eling, in respect of various standards complaints concerning his appalling behaviour. (They rigged the process but it was to no avail as the Tyrant was - eventually - forced out.)</p><p>Regular readers with long memories will recall that Eling (Sp*nk Brother One), his sidekick Cllr Richard Marshall (Sp*nk Brother Two), and Inane Elaine Costigan made false and malicious complaints against me to their pals at WMP. These scum then unlawfully used Jan Britton, Surjit Tour and other Sandwell Council lawyers to assist their absurd case and to prepare a "dossier" for WMP. (Tour denies that a dossier was ever produced but at a Police interview under caution I was specifically shown a large bundle of neatly numbered papers and told by the interviewing cops that this was "a dossier prepared for them by Surjit Tour"!)</p><p>Astonishingly, WMP appointed its "Complex Crime Unit" in Wolvo to investigate me over a period of some 11 months. Meanwhile, The Squealer was pressurising the (then) local Chief Super in Sandwell, Rich Baker (now a WMP Assistant Chief Constable) to hurry things along - often copying in disgraced former Chief Executive Britton, Tour and others.</p><p>It took a while for the penny to drop but, fair play, "Rich" got there in the end, and realised that The Squealer was running a personal vendetta against me and wrote to him sternly telling him, in terms, to stop wasting Police time. </p><p>I should add that after this outrage, I had a series of communications with CS Baker. He was cordial, and appeared to me to be "straight".</p><p>After this absurd waste of public money I made a Subject Access Request to WMP concerning the communications between The Squealer and WMP. I eventually received an (incomplete) set of documents which were so heavily redacted as to often be meaningless (* see link at bottom of page if you feel like it).</p><p>Soon afterwards and thanks to some outside assistance I gained access to the unredacted emails (** - again, see link below if you are keen).</p><p>The emails showed that Eling was inappropriately copying in a number of people to the emails to his pal, "Rich". But as far as I can see, CS Baker very properly responded only to him without sharing my information with third parties. I have, however, asked WMP to confirm this which they have, so far, refused to do,</p><p>However, in one email of 13th March, 2018, before CS Baker had seen through his chum "Steve", he stated:</p><p><i>"There is a Gold Group running chaired by an Assistant Chief Constable and attended by Investigations, CPS, LA Monitoring Officer and Wilkin Chapman Solicitors."</i></p><p>It is patently obvious from this that WMP were inappropriately sharing information about me, and the investigation into me, with Tour and Goolden who simply should not have been present in any circumstances.</p><p>In response to my letter of claim, and after considerable delay, a Solicitor for the Chief Constable has written (despite the above email):</p><p><i>"In respect of the allegations that the Gold Group chaired by an ACC was attended by Wilkin Chapman and your personal data was shared without outsiders (Mr Tour and Mr Goolden) again I have not been able to find any evidence of this. There are both open and closed minutes in respect of these meetings, the closed meetings relating to periods where outside parties were asked to leave the meeting for WMP to further discuss issues that they were not privy to in relation to the investigation. Mr Tour and Mr Goolden did not attend the closed meetings. Your letter does not confirm what specifically was shared in relation to your personal data at these meetings."</i></p><p>This is highly convenient for WMP of course with, allegedly, two seperate sets of minutes - but this is an absolutely clear admission that Tour and Goolden attended the open meetings (plural) - at least - when they were nothing whatsoever to do with the case, were being paid by the taxpayer to work for the Council and not The Squealer and yet were unlawfully purporting to represent the interests of the political leader of the Council. Unless the open meetings (plural) were conducted in total silence how could WMP NOT have shared my data with this pair when discussing the case!</p><p>Of course, the Solicitor is also being disingenuous since I can't possibly say what was discussed since (a) I wasn't there, and (b) WMP are keeping the minutes secret.</p><p>WMP say they will fight my claim. I am consulting m'learned friends, but given the open admission by both CS Baker and the force's Solicitor you might think that the decent thing to do is to start a dialogue with me.</p><p><b>Sandwell Cops go litter-picking!</b></p><p>Anyone who follows social media in Sadders will be aware of the incessant stories of burglaries and thefts in the benighted Borough and the helpless wail from most correspondents that: "The Police don't want to know". We have also seen how WMP have (a) failed to even interview - let alone take action against - Sandwell politicians and staff in respect of allegations of fraud, theft, Class A drug possession and supply, and other offences, and (b) themselves used social media and other fora to rim the bent Labour Party at every opportunity (as featured in my occasional "Cops*suckers" posts).</p><p>If you are wondering why Sandwell Police can't help victims as they should, note this from Litterwatch - a well known Sandwell Labour front-organisation - who pictured two of Tipton's finest who have nothing better to do that go litter-picking at the taxpayers' expense. Something, incidentally, the taxpayer is already paying the Council/Serco to do. And then they have the audacity to claim that they are "under-resourced"!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT47ly7dBJbSlEjjftQ_wVqhSszJ5MhZmUaBf4k2sHQAOAZuqr5-Re-oupCD7Ocj0sJjFGXuHChWoXBnIsaKx9-0wNNPMV-XQkLBjnV2Peq5VEC9YxXqjbkwBtubObnV-Yi8hlFd3uO4Nc_EPKOWCYxAEn1yFzowOBTpaQDPp_7ga47MWGBOGWUI75-eE/s924/Screenshot_2023-06-30-12-49-49-11_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="924" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT47ly7dBJbSlEjjftQ_wVqhSszJ5MhZmUaBf4k2sHQAOAZuqr5-Re-oupCD7Ocj0sJjFGXuHChWoXBnIsaKx9-0wNNPMV-XQkLBjnV2Peq5VEC9YxXqjbkwBtubObnV-Yi8hlFd3uO4Nc_EPKOWCYxAEn1yFzowOBTpaQDPp_7ga47MWGBOGWUI75-eE/w640-h380/Screenshot_2023-06-30-12-49-49-11_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Who the hell at WMP is authorising this nonsense?</p><p><b>Meanwhile - Shaun speaks out!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziOsYhEt-Azz4Ah1n6_7cENu6wfQWhLbX_H5gnGdSAWHzYNvSflMYBd46sg8aHEUHCvQR25srU7Q9CeS2RvYQRNnbN2ucyvyz_UWbKl8oOCIg7ZT1ySFJmCXeHrFeTqumTkUUxCCuAiO2zjzziE5GE3qrzxBQH6Tqqq_3QDPOaIGBFAEIGKPwfFVxsIiq/s1080/Screenshot_2023-06-30-13-29-45-59_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1080" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziOsYhEt-Azz4Ah1n6_7cENu6wfQWhLbX_H5gnGdSAWHzYNvSflMYBd46sg8aHEUHCvQR25srU7Q9CeS2RvYQRNnbN2ucyvyz_UWbKl8oOCIg7ZT1ySFJmCXeHrFeTqumTkUUxCCuAiO2zjzziE5GE3qrzxBQH6Tqqq_3QDPOaIGBFAEIGKPwfFVxsIiq/w640-h606/Screenshot_2023-06-30-13-29-45-59_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>A rather spittle-flecked but nonetheless excellent intervention from West Bromwich West Conservative MP, Shaun Bailey, in Parliament on Wednesday on the bin strike roiling Sh*thole Sandwell. Shaun lambasted what he claims were the use of flying pickets by the GMB Union, the blocking of the new ambulance station by pickets and the alleged intervention of the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, in an attempt to persuade WMP not to police the pickets. Further, he attacked the many Labour politicians - Keir "Sir Woodenarse" Starmer in particular - who are beholden to the GMB for financial support.<p></p><p>Bizarrely some local morons are blaming "the Government" for the bin strike chaos but it was corrupt Sandwell Labour who entered into the giant contract with lovely Serco:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa0488W62EPuK1Rh31a9tg0PY64WkkyeyhuoMIAZjOss0FKCYL4db5ww3QB0IPkABNt1tDLmQBaYelQvTx4TsfoFMFCTAKPItaS8s8CEVOroaot4-7tnWNjhA8Q1LsuGg8f-vfSPRNdHubIx0nhxhqGr11jOLXNV3zsU3els1z-dp74pl_dh6k1VjOvUG/s1965/IMG_20230609_163317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1965" data-original-width="1077" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa0488W62EPuK1Rh31a9tg0PY64WkkyeyhuoMIAZjOss0FKCYL4db5ww3QB0IPkABNt1tDLmQBaYelQvTx4TsfoFMFCTAKPItaS8s8CEVOroaot4-7tnWNjhA8Q1LsuGg8f-vfSPRNdHubIx0nhxhqGr11jOLXNV3zsU3els1z-dp74pl_dh6k1VjOvUG/w350-h640/IMG_20230609_163317.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><p>Incidentally, if you are on Twitter there is excellent coverage of Labour's bins disaster via @CorruptSandwell and on Facebook at "Sandwell Corruption" via:</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934468453510195">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934468453510195</a><br /></p><p>It should be remembered that us taxpayers pay for a number of GMB Union reps to be employed by the bent Labour Council (through a statutory provision called "Facility Time"). I am campaigning now that this be reduced to one rep per Union only to save - as much as possible - the insanity of taxpayers paying the wages of the very ones who are currently inflicting the bin strike nightmare on, er, the taxpayers of Sadders!</p><p>Further, the GMB Union and other unions have been given free office space by bent Labour - the GMB Union is ensconced or nowt in Smethwick Council House. This also MUST stop.</p><p>But a big problem is that the all at sea Labour Sandwell Leader, Kerrie "Dim Kez" Carmichael, is a member of the, er, GMB Union (as is her husband who works for SMBC).</p><p><b>But Princess Prissy backs the bin misery</b></p><p>The grotesque Tom Watson has swung a posh paid-up member of the London metropolitan elite, Sarah Coombes, as the next Labour candidate for West Brom East (replacing the disastrous money-smuggler Ibrahim "Bogus" Dogus). The fact that she is clever and classy makes her an unlikely (metaphorical) bedfellow of the brutish Twatson, and how the hell has this lazy, thick coward and runaway still got any local influence? </p><p>The prissy Coombes has a McNallyesque thinness of skin and has set about blocking everyone on social media who is critical of Sandwell Labour. The numbers are ever mounting lol!</p><p>This Londoner does not have to endure the daily misery of the bin dispute, rubbish piling-up, fly-tipping, maggots crawling the streets etc., yet is actively promoting the GMB strike:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExLVlilQB6fi6n_ga1m-tXYH-MMHChMHyxQSoQ-UIOKloZOgmVhfGRPRy6w2zrCyv3kwfvF9RN_u8fD_xlFFU_6IGncSjG4vd8e-hI7wTESNM-u37JDFD2pM9aLGhDx5U5lr0dnv7ot_Hwsq96P3EbazN4QK0teHhbJ-QOeimWtlS6TYVQsooE2jCzJqx/s1112/IMG_20230630_142528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="883" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExLVlilQB6fi6n_ga1m-tXYH-MMHChMHyxQSoQ-UIOKloZOgmVhfGRPRy6w2zrCyv3kwfvF9RN_u8fD_xlFFU_6IGncSjG4vd8e-hI7wTESNM-u37JDFD2pM9aLGhDx5U5lr0dnv7ot_Hwsq96P3EbazN4QK0teHhbJ-QOeimWtlS6TYVQsooE2jCzJqx/w508-h640/IMG_20230630_142528.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>Twatson fell out with his puppet masters at Unite the Union, and jumped aboard the GMB gravy train. This vile Union faced a series of lurid allegations not so long ago, not least that a Labour MP was raped by a top union official and close associate of Lazy Tom (something Keir Starmer is keeping very quiet about!) A QC (now KC) described a "casting couch" culture at the Union and that it was "institutionally sexist". Further that:<div><br /></div><div><i>"Bullying, misogyny, cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic within the GMB."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>She described how GMB Union officials used their member's money for monumental p*ss-ups and added:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"I was also contacted by a number of people from Black and minority ethnic groups. They recognise that this investigation is concerned with sexual harassment but wanted to draw to my attention the very real and serious problems that exist for members and employees and Black and minority ethnic groups ... I am satisfied that the GMB is not a comfortable place to be for many employees and members from Black and minority ethnic groups … At the moment it [the GMB] is "white, male and stale"."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>(For more on this horror story follow the *** link below.)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>The Union officials had a predatory approach to women and sexual harrassment was rife. Happily Princess Prissy is seemingly unconcerned with regard to all this since she herself is being backed by the, er GMB Union! Remember her support of the bin strike folks when she comes round asking for your vote!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wCtbp23mqwaqnP-Q5KBJCvUvssgO3JG0lngA99Ojs_eZbFkVHGib6_oLM50E4ikRjiepRVk2CibqYXHOdeSv1J1NUPRZjMo8jTegLu4rTeaKW8R5bOfs8vYLKnUTmma5UU77kUhk_iBMYj0FEgHb5tYDAvVALx3D8TYHIW7STx9hzMpV1BsED7v26ZfX/s919/Screenshot_2023-06-30-14-22-27-63_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="919" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wCtbp23mqwaqnP-Q5KBJCvUvssgO3JG0lngA99Ojs_eZbFkVHGib6_oLM50E4ikRjiepRVk2CibqYXHOdeSv1J1NUPRZjMo8jTegLu4rTeaKW8R5bOfs8vYLKnUTmma5UU77kUhk_iBMYj0FEgHb5tYDAvVALx3D8TYHIW7STx9hzMpV1BsED7v26ZfX/w640-h622/Screenshot_2023-06-30-14-22-27-63_0b2fce7a16bf2b728d6ffa28c8d60efb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Facebook Group - The Sandwell Skidder: Speaking Truth to Power!</b></div><div><p>Just a note on the Facebook Group and a big hello to the large number of recent members. Why don't you join our merry throng via the link here if you haven't already done so?</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934468453510195">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934468453510195</a><br /></p><p>Please note that I am not in the business of censorship but the Group is a response to the fact that bent Labour control much of the local media - social and mainstream, including the Express and Star - and has massive resources to promulgate their vile propaganda. The Group is for those who are sick of 49 years of Sandwell Labour corruption, cronyism and incompetence. </p><p>There have been a number attempts recently to infiltrate the Group by Labour and Union characters - even Bob "Seig Heil" Piper and poisonous Pam "Mrs Squealer" Pulsford. These have been repulsed and certain other trouble-makers blocked.</p><p>I am going to desist from sending the "welcome" messages to new members as some infiltrators are sneaking in (at least for a while) but if you have the legitimate interests of Sadders at heart you are, indeed, very welcome"!</p><p>Please also note that we don't do commercial adverts, job notices etc. Finally, if your profile is blank you will be unlikely to be approved for the Group since most of these accounts are infiltrators, con artists etc. If there are genuine reasons for keeping your profile clear and you do want to join please DM or email me and we can sort things out (contact details below).</p><p><b>And now for something completely different ...</b></p><p>Earlier this year I visited the Somme to unravel a family mystery from World War One. If you get a spare moment this weekend some of you may like to have a read. Here's the link to the "As The Crow Flies" blog:</p><p><a href="https://crowmultimedia.blogspot.com/2023/05/grand-uncle-jack-deserter.html">https://crowmultimedia.blogspot.com/2023/05/grand-uncle-jack-deserter.html</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip27itKs7PlL4lg7dJ37PxEqv0HMsW4BAkk7An-37fYwU6bb0OjPYvaspQqbkvI1Ujn5A1HJj5sO-EHuD5QTYQcoA9pv5tSm79OnepBH8PKn-b7_AzBLs8D46f1gFCHsXztocHfv5PpzGNyTEOG_wnTmtggBx4Xd6V00DFt27ZTDWuuvT5tFj1IWUgWsVy/s1071/IMG_20230629_083124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1071" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip27itKs7PlL4lg7dJ37PxEqv0HMsW4BAkk7An-37fYwU6bb0OjPYvaspQqbkvI1Ujn5A1HJj5sO-EHuD5QTYQcoA9pv5tSm79OnepBH8PKn-b7_AzBLs8D46f1gFCHsXztocHfv5PpzGNyTEOG_wnTmtggBx4Xd6V00DFt27ZTDWuuvT5tFj1IWUgWsVy/w640-h392/IMG_20230629_083124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>* <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2018/11/squealing-eling-and-west-mids-police.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2018/11/squealing-eling-and-west-mids-police.html</a></p><p>** <a href="https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2019/01/technical-blog-elingbaker-emails-in-full.html">https://thesandwellskidder.blogspot.com/2019/01/technical-blog-elingbaker-emails-in-full.html</a></p><p>*** <a href="https://crowmultimedia.blogspot.com/2022/06/">https://crowmultimedia.blogspot.com/2022/06/</a></p><p>THE SANDWELL SKIDDER - COMMUNITY NEWS - READ THE SKIDDER, KIDDER!</p><p>**** Phone No: 07470 624207 ****</p><p>Email: thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</p><p>Facebook: Julian Saunders </p><p>Facebook Group: The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth To Power!</p><p>Twitter: Publisher: @CrowMultimedia; Julian Saunders: @SandwellSkidder </p><p>Post: Jules Saunders, 11 Chelworth Road, Birmingham B38 0BG</p><p>PROUD TO HAVE BEEN TROLLED BY DICKHEAD DARREN COOPER DECEASED!</p><p>LEGAL NOTICE (Version 3 from 14th February, 2021)</p><p>I cannot list every previous mention of individuals referred to in the entirety of this blog. Where I refer to a specific story please follow the supplied hyperlink since this forms legal justification for later comments. Similarly references to “posts passim” and to earlier posts mean any individuals concerned about purported defamatory or otherwise unlawful material must read later posts in the context of earlier posts. Full information can also be supplied within a reasonable time upon application via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com</p><p>In most cases we try to give the subjects of these blog posts the opportunity to comment on our journalism pre-publication to ensure the accuracy of our work.</p><p>Every now and again we make a genuine honest error and get something wrong. If an error in the blog affects you please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com and we shall use our best endeavours to publish appropriate corrections forthwith.</p><p>We have had to remove the direct comment facility from this blog due to the activity of a West Bromwich woman but we are pleased to receive comments via email to thesandwellskidder@gmail.com , on Twitter via our publishers @CrowMultimedia or via our dedicated Facebook Group: “The Sandwell Skidder - Speaking Truth to Power!” We are happy to publish any sensible commentary and offer a right of reply where applicable.</p><p>If you consider that anything written is defamatory or otherwise unlawful please email thesandwellskidder@gmail.com or telephone 07470 624207 forthwith. If your complaint has merit we shall endeavour to make immediate amends.<br /></p></div><div><br /></div>The Wandererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274314571191042805noreply@blogger.com0