Concerns have been raised about inappropriate political gamesmanship in Penzance, after a Liberal Democrat candidate attacked his own party in a bid to seek election.
Residents in the Promenade Division contacted Conservative Councillor Simon Elliott, knowing that he was Vice Chair of the council’s Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee, disappointed at the tone of Liberal Democrat candidate Marc Hadley’s leaflet.
In the appallingly titled “Marc to Stand up for SEN Kids”, the candidate asserts that “Children with special educational needs (SEN) are being failed. Prior to lockdown the situation was not good, but since then their support has been frozen, placing read stress on their parents”
Cllr Elliott responded:
“Apart from the fact that I don’t know any educator who would refer to children with Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in that way, his leaflet is not only disrespectful of the incredible hard work that schools have done throughout lockdown and before, but also the team in the Council’s "Together for Families” team, who have been awarded an Outstanding grade by Ofsted”
“As Vice Chair of the council’s Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee, I have always been proud to sit on a committee with councilors from across the political spectrum that have worked together for the good of our children and young people, and to ensure the council’s children’s services directorate is fully supported in their important work. It is a shame to see that with local elections coming, some Liberal Democrats appear to see this work for vulnerable people as a tool to campaign for votes on.”
Cllr Elliott added:
“Of course, if he thinks the Lib-Dem and Independent run council are doing such a bad job, and change is obviously needed, then the Conservative group are ready to take on the challenge, and our voting record in Council shows that we are fully behind all children and their families."
