Leader of Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) and county councillor for Hemel Hempstead Adrian England has stepped down following investigations into a councillor accused of sexual harassment.
An investigation was launched last year following accusations that cllr England’s administration had mishandled allegations of sexual harassment against former Leader of DBC councillor Ron Tindall.
In September, seven female councillors resigned from the Lib Dem Dacorum council group, accusing cllr England of “failing to deal with allegations of bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment”.
One councillor admitted they “didn’t feel comfortable being left alone in a room” with cllr Tindall.
On Tuesday, February 18, it was revealed that cllr England would be stepping down as part of the conclusion of the regional investigation by the Liberal Democrats.
A spokesperson for the party said: “Following the findings of the investigation, Adrian England has announced his decision to stand down as Leader.
“As a result of the investigation’s findings and evidence about Ron Tindall’s conduct, [cllr Tindall] has been barred from standing as a candidate in the upcoming [county council] elections and remains suspended from the local Liberal Democrat group.
“These serious allegations will now be carefully considered by the party’s national independent complaints process to decide what further disciplinary action should be taken.”
Councillor Sally Symington will be taking over as the new Leader of DBC.
She said: “I am proud to have the support of the Liberal Democrat group. We will continue to listen to and stand up for local residents.”
Photo credit Adrian England
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