MULLANEY LOSES APPEAL - AS FREE SPEECH THREATENED

22-05-2008

Camcorder councillor Martin Mullaney insists he won’t back down in a row with a developer over a listed building in Birmingham – despite failing in his appeal against the Local Government Standards Board. In an alarming development for free speech, the verdict against Mullaney has been upheld, in part, because he sent a video about the building to The Stirrer.

Mullaney’s appeal came through yesterday, and the option of making an apology has now been removed – leaving him facing a one month suspension from Council duties.

"I wouldn't have said 'sorry' anyway" Mullaney commented.

"I'm going to have a meeting with John Hemming [Birmingham Yardley MP] and decide what do next.

"I might decide to accept the suspension, but we could take it to the High Court."

As The Stirrer revealed yesterday, many of Mullaney’s fears about the condition of Grade II listed former Tram Shed on Moseley Road were subsequently confirmed by Birmingham Council planning officers (see link here).

Despite this, the Standards Board appeal committee specifically states that sending a video to this website which highlighted highlighting the problems helped justify the case of “disrespect” against him.

In section 6.17.16 their verdict says, “The Appeals Tribunal considers the action of sending the video to The Stirrer a clear breach…”

This can only send out a message to local councillors that they shouldn’t alert journalists about matters of genuine public interest for fear of being banned – a worrying development for anyone concerned with free speech.

We tried contacting Mr Zaman for a comment he has so far failed to return our call.

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