A complaint has been made about allegedly ‘abusive and aggressive’ behaviour by Lancashire’s newly appointed deputy police and crime commissioner at a civic event last month.
Cllr Kimberley Whitehead has been accused of a ‘disturbing and completely unprovoked’ volley of verbal abuse at two fellow Hyndburn councillors at the borough’s Mayor Making reception on Saturday, May 31.
Cllr Whitehead has ‘vehemently’ denied the allegations, describing them as ‘utter nonsense’.
The alleged incident has led Church ward Conservative councillor Loraine Cox to submit an official complaint under Hyndburn Council’s standards code, which will be considered by a special subcommittee.
Accrington Spring Hill ward’s Cllr Whitehead was last month appointed as deputy to Lancashire police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw and also promoted to be a deputy leader of Hyndburn Council.
The complaint by Cllr Cox, a former Labour councillor who in 2022 joined the Conservative group, relates to herself, new Tory recruit Cllr Joyce Plummer, and former councillor June Harrison, both of whom are also former Hyndburn Labour councillors.
It says: “It is with deep regret that I write to formally raise a complaint regarding the conduct of the current deputy leader of the council, Cllr Whitehead, during the Mayor Making ceremony held at the Town Hall.
“While I was standing with Cllr Plummer and former Cllr June Harrison, awaiting an opportunity to speak with the local police inspector, Cllr Whitehead began directing abusive and aggressive comments toward us.
“The outburst was both disturbing and completely unprovoked.
“The level of aggression displayed by Cllr Whitehead was shocking, to the extent that her own colleagues had to physically restrain her.
“I remain at a complete loss as to what provoked such hostility, and I am deeply concerned about how far she may have gone had she not been held back.
“Such behaviour is entirely unacceptable, particularly from someone holding a senior leadership role within Hyndburn Council.
“Both Cllr Plummer and I now find ourselves in a compromised position.
“Given Cllr Whitehead’s conduct, we are concerned for our personal safety and believe her actions suggest a willingness to escalate beyond verbal abuse.
“I respectfully request that this matter be formally investigated, and appropriate steps be taken to ensure this type of conduct is not repeated.”
Cllr Whitehead said: “This is utter nonsense.
“I categorically and vehemently deny the allegations, and I am currently seeking legal advice.
“I will continue to maintain high standards in public life, and it’s concerning to see the same divisive political tactics re-emerging in Hyndburn from familiar figures.
“The public expects better and deserves better.
“My Labour colleagues and I will continue focusing on delivering for the residents of Hyndburn.”
A Hyndburn Council spokesperson said: “The council doesn’t comment on standards matters.”
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