Fresh call for Buckley to stand down

Mike Buckley

A LABOUR parish councillor is hoping to isolate a shamed colleague sentenced for downloading images of naked boys.

Mike Buckley (68), from Dobcross, has refused to resign from Saddleworth Parish Council despite condemnation by fellow councillors. Now Paul Fryer, a school teacher and Labour councillor for Springhead Lower Ward, has tabled a motion that would see committees with Councillor Buckley as a member dissolved and new committees elected. He is challenging Councillor Buckley to stand down to allow a re-election in Dobcross and Diggle ward.

Councillor Buckley serves on the environment, estates, finance and the planning committees. He is chair of planning and vice-chair of conservation. Included in Councillor Fryer’s motion is a request that the same terms apply to council delegates on the conservation area advisory committee, Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership and the Strategic Planning Committee.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, Councillor Fryer said: “The ideal solution would be for Councillor Buckley to resign. If he wishes to stand in the subsequent by-election, the people of Dobcross and Diggle can be given the chance to make up their own minds.

“Even if this motion is passed, he will be able to attend full council meetings and conduct any casework for any of his constituents. But the passing of the motion will show that his fellow parish councillors are not prepared to work closely with someone convicted of such offences.”