AN EVESHAM town councillor is ‘not fit’ to represent the community due to his ‘short fuse’, says a fellow councillor.
The claim follows an angry outburst after Monday’s (October 13) monthly town council meeting, when Councillor John Campbell-Muir turned up to the town hall after the session ended and made various accusations at those left in the building.
Following that, he came down to Market Square and proceeded to shout and rage about various council matters he was frustrated with – an incident witnessed by several colleagues who were grouped following the meeting.
The fellow councillor who witnessed the expletive-ridden rant and wished to remain anonymous said: “For his age, he should know better, he’s not a school child.
“He lets himself, his partner, the council and his residents down when he acts like he does.”
They added that not being able to remain composed was a common occurrence with Campbell-Muir.
“Councillors are meant to be respectable people, and when Coun Campbell-Muir acts like he does, all respect is lost, not just for him but the council as a whole. In my opinion, he isn’t fit to be a councillor due to his short fuse.”
When approached for a comment, Coun Campbell-Muir, who has dyslexia, told the Observer that he has been under prolonged stress for a significant period of time and is suffering from mental health issues.
The member for South ward added that he was currently on a waiting list for counselling.
He explained he had experienced problems at council meetings due to inadequate provision for his learning disability to follow the agenda adequately, and therefore was not able to speak out.
On Monday night, he said he was particularly frustrated at missing the meeting due to his job holding him up.
Although he had not been able to attend, he had heard from another councillor that an issue he had expected to be discussed was not on the agenda.
When approached by the Observer, Coun Campbell-Muir attributed his loss of temper to two years of frustrations with not feeling properly heard at Evesham Town Council meetings on matters he considers highly important.
He fully accepts that it was inappropriate and is taking steps to address his emotions.
“I am more disappointed with my own behaviour than anyone else and totally aware that this kind of outburst is unacceptable.
“There was no excuse for it and I am seriously trying to address matters,” he said.
“I am sorry for my outburst, but I change nothing I said. This council is being blamed for the massive failures of previous councils and passing problems down the road.
“The public now blames the present council.”
Jo Adams, clerk of Evesham Town Council, said the council was aware of the remarks made by Coun Campbell Muir following last Monday’s meeting.
She said: “The sustained and inappropriate nature of those comments, including personal attacks and the use of offensive language, falls well short of the standards of respect and professionalism expected of elected representatives.
“Coun Campbell Muir has made positive contributions to the community through his voluntary work, and it is very disappointing that this behaviour undermines both his own efforts and the hard work of councillors across all parties who give their time freely to serve the town.”
Town councillors, who volunteer their time for the good of the community, are expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct, including the Nolan principles, which are ethical standards expected of all public office holders.
