URGENT UPDATE: A Leicestershire parish councillor has been found guilty of bullying a colleague over a controversial Facebook post, leading to significant repercussions for both individuals involved. The ruling against Councillor Paul Taylor was confirmed by a hearing panel of Blaby District Council (BDC) after a heated exchange with fellow councillor Laura Badland erupted during a council meeting in December 2024.
The panel concluded that Cllr Taylor violated the Sapcote Parish Council (SPC) code of conduct three times, including demonstrating bullying behavior and failing to treat others with respect. Cllr Badland had raised concerns over a post made by Cllr Taylor on the ‘Sapcote News’ Facebook page, where he referred to passengers in a suspicious white van as “foreign.”
In a shocking account, Cllr Badland described feeling “intimidated” and “scared for her personal safety” after Cllr Taylor confronted her about her criticism outside a council meeting. She claimed that he “came charging” towards her, waving his hands and pointing, actions that left her feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Following the incident, she installed CCTV around her home due to safety concerns.
Cllr Badland stated, “I was scared to walk my kids to school and my dogs around the village. I felt anxious to go to the Co-op, for fear of bumping into the councillor.” The emotional toll of the situation led to her resignation from the council, where she expressed feeling “heartbroken,” stating, “I never wanted to leave the council, but I felt I had no other option.”
In response to the investigation’s findings, SPC has committed to transparency and fairness in its operations. They plan to vote on the recommended sanctions from the BDC at their next scheduled meeting. The council expressed its dedication to resolving such conflicts constructively to maintain a respectful environment.
Cllr Taylor, who did not participate in the investigation, defended himself, claiming that Cllr Badland was also confrontational. He argued that his initial post was merely a warning about potential dangers in the community, insisting, “I’m being made out to be the baddy here yet again.”
Authorities are expected to implement measures to prevent future incidents, emphasizing the importance of civility in public service. With this development, the situation highlights the urgent need for ethical standards and respect within local government.
As this story continues to unfold, community members are reacting with concern over the implications for local governance. The emotional impact on Cllr Badland poses questions about the safety and well-being of public officials and their families in similar situations.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Sapcote Parish Council addresses the recommendations and the community responds to the fallout from this incident.
