'I was a little surprised, a bit bruised' Councillor responds to sacking from Central Beds children's services role
A former Central Bedfordshire Council executive member has spoken of his disappointment at being removed from his post on the local authority’s ruling group, a week before he faces a standards sub-committee hearing.
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Steve Owen told the local democracy reporting service: “I was summoned to a meeting, which was supposed to be about progress with my particular portfolio.
“But it turned out to be a sacking interview,” he revealed. “I was a little surprised, a bit bruised. Yes, it was unexpected, especially as Adam (Zerny) started off the session by praising to the skies my work in children’s services. I thought this is a nice way to start the New Year.
“Then he said: ‘However, I’ve decided to sack you and the reasoning is there’s a standards board meeting next week, at which complaints against you are being considered and your position has become untenable’.
“It was the only reason he gave me for sacking me. I think it’s disappointing the decision to get rid of me was taken before that sub-committee hearing has reached a conclusion.
“The logical thing to do was to run that hearing, see what the committee thought of the complaints and my defence to them, and then decide my fate after that.”
Asked if it would make Friday’s (January 16) hearing more awkward, councillor Owen replied: “No, not really. The hearing will run.
“That will happen exactly as it would have without yesterday’s (January 7) meeting, I believe. In a way, it makes me a little freer to respond to whatever the committee wants to ask me.”
Citing his achievements during the last 18 months, he explained: “I would say we’ve made really good progress with some of the intractable issues facing CBC.
“We’ve moved forward with the over expensive home to school transport issue. We’ve finally got the three- to two-tier transition programme in a good state of preparation.
“It hasn’t appeared publicly yet, but it’s there waiting. We’ve provided plenty more special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school places. We’ve tightened up our safeguarding of children.
“We’re getting to grips with the problem of the chronic lack of attainment in our schools, where two thirds of them are performing below the national average at KS2 and KS4. I think those are positive steps forward.”
A CBC statement confirmed the new portfolio holder for children and families is Independent Flitwick councillor Gareth Mackey. Independent Barton-le-Clay and Silsoe councillor Liz Childs has been appointed to be his deputy as executive member for communities.
“I don’t think they’ve any idea how much time it’s going to occupy,” warned councillor Owen, who continues serving his ward and as a Leighton-Linslade town councillor.
“It’s been taking an average of 70 hours a week of my time. You have to live and breathe it. I wish them luck. They’ll discover how all-consuming a job it is.”
Councillor Owen was elected to CBC in May 2023 as a Liberal Democrat, and became an Independent councillor the following month.
On his political future, he added: “I haven’t made any decision yet, and it’ll be the people of Linslade who affect my opinion there. There’s more than a year to go before that election.
“I’ll talk to the people of Linslade and ask: ‘Are you happy with me or do you want to change? I’ve represented them for a long time, coming up to 50 years as a councillor.”
Independent Potton councillor Zerny said: “I’m hugely grateful to councillor Owen for everything he’s contributed during the last 18 months, and for the many sacrifices he’s made to what’s an extremely challenging role.”