Police called after Maldon District Council meeting descends into chaos
By Charlotte Lillywhite
5th Nov 2021 | Local News
A Maldon District Council meeting has descended into chaos with the police being called to deescalate the situation.
Police officers attended the council chambers on Princes Road, in Maldon, after Councillor Chrisy Morris was accused of "breaching the peace".
Councillor Morris could be heard shouting "point of order" repeatedly as Councillor Mark Heard, chairman of the council, opened the full council meeting this evening (Thursday 4 November).
He also brought a megaphone to the meeting.
Members subsequently moved for Councillor Morris to no longer be heard at the meeting around two minutes in.
Councillor Morris said: "You have no authority over me."
He added: "You can't make me leave the meeting - I'm democratically elected."
Councillor Morris continued to speak over members, which led to the meeting being adjourned.
Livestreaming was also suspended after members agreed to take the five-minute break.
Before the break, Councillor Heard said that Councillor Morris had been told to leave the building.
He said: "I have to look at the duty of care the council has towards those members of the staff.
"I have to say that Councillor Morris, you are living in a world of insults, allegations and conflict."
Councillor Morris said: "I've got every right to be heard."
The meeting ended just minutes in - following the break - after Councillor Heard advised members to "rise and walk out in protest".
On the agenda for members at tonight's meeting was a discussion of the sanctions put in place against Councillor Morris, after he was found to have breached the council's code of conduct following two investigations into bullying claims against him.
Before the meeting was closed, members voted to extend Councillor Morris' ban from attending all committees and working groups or outside bodies from 12 months to 18 months - he does not currently sit on any.
You can view the livestream here.
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