Secret sackings a bad idea

The ODT reports:

Invercargill’s deputy Mayor Darren Ludlow has told the city council he will consider taking legal action if the reasons he stood down from the role are made public and are considered defamatory, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says.

His intention to take legal action was communicated to the council’s chief executive Richard King via email on Monday night.

Last week, the Southland Express reported Cr Ludlow had resigned from the position because he was overcommitted.

It has since been revealed all but one councillor had signed a requisition seeking his removal from the role. Mr Shadbolt said he initiated a ”round-table discussion” on April 21 to discuss ”issues” he had with Cr Ludlow, and nearly every councillor who spoke also raised concerns.

It’s pretty outrageous and contemptuous of the public to sack the Deputy Mayor in a secret meeting and refuse to give any reasons for doing so.