Brent Labour Party activist and member of the anti-cuts umbrella group Brent Fightback, Michael Calderbank, has been banned from tonight's election count at Brent Civic Centre. Calderbank is a co-editor of Red Pepper magazine.
This is the letter sent to Calderbank by Fiona Ledden:
This is the letter sent to Calderbank by Fiona Ledden:
Dear Mr Calderbank
Christine Gilbert, Brent Council’s Returning Officer, has asked me to respond to you on her behalf following your request to attend tonight’s local election count.
As you will understand, it is important for us to ensure the integrity and security of the count and to make sure that there is no potential for disruption.
The Returning Officer needs to take into account any factors which could compromise the Count when agreeing attendance, including the previous behaviour of potential guests at Civic events.
Following the late request from yourself to attend tonight’s Count, and the behaviour you displayed within the Council chamber previously, disrupting a meeting of Brent’s Full Council, the Returning Officer has determined you are not permitted to enter Brent’s Civic Centre this evening.
Yours sincerely
Fiona Ledden
Director of Legal and Procurement