Mystery over future of Weston Coyney councillor Matt Fry after fraud caution
CONFUSION surrounds the future of a city councillor who was cautioned by police for fraud after the Labour party refused to discuss the case – or even confirm if he remains suspended.
Councillor Matt Fry, right, was cautioned for fraud by abuse of position after being arrested and interviewed by Staffordshire Police.
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Mystery surrounds the future of Weston Coyney's Cllr Matt Fry.
He was suspended from representing the Labour party at any level 11 days ago, pending the outcome of police inquiries.
But the Stoke-on-Trent Labour group has refused to discuss his future or reveal any details about the nature of his offence.
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The Sentinel has attempted to seek clarity over Mr Fry's future as a councillor from leader Mohammed Pervez, group whip Kath Banks, group chairman Tom Reynolds and the Labour party at West Midlands regional level.
None have responded to requests for comment.
Mr Fry, who represents Weston Coyney on Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has also declined to comment on several occasions.
It means residents are left to continue speculating about the reasons for Mr Fry's caution and mystery surrounds his role on the city council.
Mr Fry aged 32, of Parkfield Road, in Dresden, is also a member of Staffordshire Fire Authority.
He is regularly involved in charitable projects – including helping to raise funds and organise the Staffordshire Special Olympics.
Sue Bourne, secretary of Weston Coyney Residents' Association, said: "It would be helpful for us to know if he is still a councillor.
"I think people have a right to know what has happened because it might well affect how they view him and how they would approach him as a councillor.
"It may well be something very small and innocuous, in which case why keep it to themselves? By not talking about it people will just think the worst."
Councillor Dave Conway, below, leader of the opposition City Independents group, called for a full explanation.
He said: "We don't even know what he has actually done.
"If it were a member of my group I would be honest about it. There should be nothing to hide.
"It's no good for councillors of any party to talk about being open and transparent, then just close ranks if something goes wrong."
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the offence does not relate directly to Mr Fry's role as a councillor and his right to continue in the role has not been affected by the caution. Police yesterday offered assurances they had taken the investigation seriously.
A spokesman said: "When someone is arrested they are dealt with according to a number of factors which all have to be taken into consideration, including offending history and evidential criteria.
"For example, if someone has no previous convictions they may be issued with a caution which ultimately will give them a criminal record. Staffordshire Police takes reports of fraud very seriously and will carry out a thorough investigation when such crimes are reported."
A spokesman for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "The council can confirm that we are aware of Councillor Fry's caution by the police but this would not affect his right to continue his role as an elected member."
Comments
by Sparkmeister
Friday, April 12 2013, 2:23PM
“Hmmmm”
by truestokie
Friday, October 05 2012, 12:21PM
“Labour Len, Fleelo was not a mistake.
Point taken on spelling, but I still use facts not lies.
Just a point, I am not a member of any political party at the moment.”
by mole10
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:27AM
“Could I ask this Labour Council to refrain from the usual tricks ad not hold the by election on Christmas day.
I know you want to, but most people will be busy stuffing a Turkey when they really want to stuff you.
Thanks.”
by LabourLen
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:11AM
“@truestokie - "My point is that one rule should apply to all, not selective rules for different political party,s" - Terry for are referring to more than one party so you should have used PARTIES.
When commenting on say "your party's racist" Note: you should use an apostrophe not a comma.
I could point out a lot more in your comments but believe me when i say i haven't the time.
Suffice to say we all make spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and mis-types.”
by LabourLen
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:05AM
“You really are scraping the barrel if your are resorting to pointing out mis-types.
By the way I think you'll find its Flello not Fleelo - touche.”
by truestokie
Friday, October 05 2012, 10:45AM
“Labour Len, yeah ok if you say so.
By the way its haven't, or have not, not "hven't.”
by mole10
Friday, October 05 2012, 10:36AM
“Does anyone know if the nomination papers are out yet?”
by LabourLen
Friday, October 05 2012, 10:25AM
“@truestokie - Hven't a clue what you are rambling and ranting about.
I wish you peace of mind, sooner rather than later.”
by truestokie
Friday, October 05 2012, 10:09AM
“by LabourLen
Friday, October 05 2012, 9:50AM
.
"@truestokie - you really are a sordid piece of work aren't you.
You should look to your party for "sordid".
"SORDID" Labour party members are well documented.
Oh I see the truth about the Labour party is distastefull to you?
Tough.
Dispute it if its lies, but I know you can't.
As for liars look to that third rate scribbler who is licking Fleelo's backside, or is this you hiding behind Labour Len?
Warren a fine of £250, and 5 years on the sex offenders register, against suspended sentance and community service of 240 hours, but ones barred from standing and the other is free to mix with kids in parks.
My point is that one rule should apply to all, not selective rules for different political party,s.”
by LabourLen
Friday, October 05 2012, 9:50AM
“@truestokie - you really are a sordid piece of work aren't you. I Really hope that one day you can find a form of peace that will allow you to see the world in all its beautiful, full colour glory. Instead of it being tainted by any other colour but white. Especially ALL the lovely people that make up this fantastic city.
For your information: Khan and Wazzir were taken through standards and were given sanctions. Now this is the bit you are obviously struggling with: their misdemeanors were not CRIMINAL.
On the Councillor in the north who was found guilty for accessing a website that may contain indecent images of children, his sentence was not custodial, not even suspended. Unfortunately the area in which you live, think he's the bees knees and have elected him twice since his conviction.
Terry, as much as it appalls me, democracy allows this man to continue to represent then men, women and KIDS in the Tunstall area.”