By Alan Irving

Published at 11:10, Thursday, 19 April 2012

NO action is to be taken over an allegation that Copeland’s Mayor made a racist remark at his own fundraising charity dinner recently. The matter is now officially closed.

The decision comes just three weeks before Tory councillor John Jackson hands over to Labour’s Peter Tyson on May 2.

And he told The Whitehaven News it had come as a relief both to himself and his wife Linda, the Mayoress.

“I have been cleared of this allegation which has weighed heavily on me.

“For the past weeks I have carried on with my mayoral duties and I have done so with dignity. I have tried to put it to the back of my mind but it has not been a very pleasant experience.”

In a short statement, Copeland Council said yesterday: “All complaints received in relation to councillors are considered in accordance with our agreed procedures. In this instance the assessment sub-committee of the Standards Committee considered the complaint but felt no action was necessary. We have informed the complainant and the matter is now closed.”

Coun Jackson said: “I am absolutely convinced I did not make the remark I was alleged to have made by one person. I know I had a couple of drinks but I would never use such words.

“Now it’s like a big weight has been taken off my shoulders and Linda and I look forward to finishing a very enjoyable term of office.

“During the difficult time we have had fantastic support from other mayors right across the county and across all parties. Friends and colleagues in Copeland have also been terrific.”

The allegation arose from the Mayor’s charity function in The White Mare at Beckermet but Copeland Council has refused to say who made it.

Coun Jackson, who lives in Frizington and represents Beckermet on the borough council, declared: “I didn’t know who made it at the time – but I do now.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk