By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Gloucester Mayor Ashley Bowkett has explained why he changed his mind over calling a special meeting before Christmas.
The Liberal Democrat councillor for Barnwood said he wished to “set the record straight” after comments online and coverage in the media about Thursday’s (December 18) special meeting which gave an update on the City Council’s dire financial situation.
He took aim at the creation of AI-generated video of him and said he never refused to hold such a meeting but felt holding it after Christmas would have given councillors more time to consider the information.
The authority is applying for an emergency loan from the Government of between £12.5m and £17.5m
“In light of recent coverage and commentary, I want to set the record straight about my role as Mayor in relation to a request for the special council meeting on Gloucester City Council’s finances,” he said. “At no point did I refuse such a meeting.
“From the outset, in response to the original request by the Conservative Group Leader, I agreed – in line with my statutory obligations – that a special council would be held; the only question was timing.
“In my view, holding the meeting after Christmas would have given all councillors more time to review and reflect on the financial information provided at a member briefing on December 17.
“However, having considered the further arguments put to me by the Conservative group leader, I brought the meeting forward to December 18 so that public scrutiny could take place sooner.
“Unfortunately, an AI-generated video and other online material have led a fair number of people to believe that I refused a public debate.
“That is simply untrue and is contradicted by the written correspondence between myself and group leaders, some of which was unbecoming of anyone elected to public office. I am always willing to respond to reasoned argument and honest disagreement, but I will not be swayed by veiled threats, online stunts or fabricated versions of events.
“The Mayor of Gloucester holds a civic, ceremonial and non-political office, and the way we treat this office, with a tradition stretching back well over 500 years, and the way we treat one another, sends a powerful message to every resident. What happened was not just a personal slight: it was an attack on our city and its heritage and on all people who expect better from their elected representatives.
“My focus continues to be on chairing our meetings impartially, upholding due process, and ensuring that debate on the council’s finances, or anything else, is conducted openly, respectfully, and in the best interests of the people of Gloucester.”