Andover's Mayor has no regrets after chaotic council meeting

As previously reported, Andover Town Council met on Wednesday, January 24, to go through a 24-point agenda but tensions rose, and several councillors ended up in heated exchanges over a mockumentary that has been published.

The meeting came to a head around an hour and 45 minutes in, when Cllr Richard Kidd told Cllr Mark Farren to “shut the f*** up” following a debate between Cllr Farren and Cllr Kevin Hughes, about council processes.

READ MORE: Disgust as Andover Town Council meeting descending into chaos

As the bickering continued Andover's Mayor, Cllr Robin Hughes walked out.

In an email sent to the town clerk and all councillors on Sunday, January 28 Cllr Stuart Waue said he has considered resigning following the ordeal.

In the email, seen by the Advertiser, he said: "Some will be aware that I have given very serious consideration to resigning, but am hesitant to do so as it would inevitably result in a costly by-election due to individuals that will be desperate to ensure no more party members can be co-opted."

He said that he does not condone the behaviour of some councillors during the meeting. 

He continued: "On a personal note, I am sorry for any offence that may have been caused as a result of the video, and for any part I may have played in it (as I voted in favour of the concept and microphone purchase when it was first proposed).

"My suggestion is (and I have very little expectation for it to be followed) for the Mayor to step down from role of mayor (but remain as councillor) and for deputy mayor Sangster to step up to mayor until May."

MOST READ: Apology issued after Andover Town Council meeting descends into chaos

Despite this, Cllr Hughes said he "has no regrets" and has no intentions of stepping down.

He said: "Earlier in the meeting I had adjourned the meeting for a comfort break so councillors could calm down. Then as reported the behaviour of a minority of councillors and my repeated interventions banging gavel, the meeting descended into chaos. I tried to adjourn the meeting a second time, as I did previously. 

"I decided to leave the room anyway. It appeared to have the desired effect as in my brief absence the meeting had become less heated."

SEE ALSO: Andover Town Council meeting descends into chaos and arguments

Cllr Kidd has since told the Advertiser his swearing was "unfortunate" but did not apologise. 

He said residents want councillors to focus on "bread and butter" issues including matters like the cost of living crises. 

Meanwhile, Cllr Farren added: "It is really quite shameful that the concerns of the public were completely disregarded and many of which are shared by many councillors."

He also commented on the Advertiser's Facebook page, he posted: "The eye-rolling, dismissive nature of the response, total disregard for genuine concerns and the belittling of those who spoke similar, coupled with the foul language were as shocking to certainly to me, as I am sure they are to you."

A council spokesperson has since apologised about the "unacceptable" behaviour and said councillors will be asked to reflect on how they can improve their conduct.

Training sessions have also been arranged for the near future.