Awol Rutland councillor Richard Alderman denied dispensation

Rutland County Council’s full council agreed not to grant a dispensation to allow Councillor Richard Alderman to remain a member of the authority following non-attendance at council meetings for a period of six months.

The decision was taken at a full council meeting on Monday, December 17.

Coun Alderman (Ind) was elected on July 12 and signed his declaration of office the following day.

He was convicted of four offenses under the Communications Act and sentenced to a six-month curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am in September, which bars him from being able to attend full council meetings as they commence at 7pm.

He has also missed three previous full council meetings since his appointment in July 2018.

Chairman of Rutland County Council, Kenneth Bool, said: “Tonight’s decision reflects Rutland County Councillors’ dedication to their positions.

"To hold a post as a councillor, it is essential that you can commit to attending meetings and support the residents who you have been elected to represent, appropriately.

“Mr Alderman’s conviction in September has meant that he is not able to honour those commitments to the people of Oakham South West or the wider Rutland community.

“I would like to reiterate that the behaviour displayed by Mr Alderman that led to his conviction has no place, either in this council or in society and is utterly reprehensible.”