Labour Party reinstates Sheffield councillor after 21 month suspension

A Sheffield councillor has been reinstated back into the Labour Party following a suspension of almost two years.
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Coun Jack Scott was suspended by the national Labour Party in February 2019, pending an investigation into allegations that he had failed to declare a company directorship in his declaration of interest as a councillor.

He remained a councillor for Arbourthorne but was forced to stand down as Cabinet member for transport and development and was not allowed to attend Labour group meetings.

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Labour’s National Executive Committee has now found there was no breach of rules and has lifted the suspension.

Councillor Jack Scott.Councillor Jack Scott.
Councillor Jack Scott.

Coun Scott declined to comment but in an email to colleagues he described it as “without doubt one of, if not the, hardest periods of my life”.

In a Facebook post, he said: “I’m really pleased the Labour Party found I didn’t breach any rules and my suspension has now been lifted. I’m glad I can put the issue behind me now.

“Situations like this are always difficult and I’m very grateful for all the support so many people have offered.”

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He added that he was determined to put his energy into fighting into tackling inequalities across the city.

Coun Scott said he had been the victim of a serious identity theft. He used to run a company called Jack Scott Associates which he wound down in 2013.

Unbeknown to him, fraudsters took over the name and continued trading. They stole the company name the day before it closed down, appointed themselves as directors and changed its address to a PO Box in London.

Coun Scott did not announce the company on his declarations of interest at Sheffield Council as he thought it had ceased trading. Councillors have to declare all such information and can be fined or banned from office for failing to do so.

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A member of the public found the company was still trading and made a complaint.

Labour suspended Coun Scott pending an investigation.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.