A Councillor in Wakefield has pleaded guilty to two child sex offences, but the local council have stated that they do not have the power to remove him. Alex Kear, as a result of this, will remain an elected representative for thousands of people in the Airedale and Ferry Fryston ward of Wakefield.
Kear is an independent councillor and the Wakefield council has described themselves as “powerless” in this situation due to the current laws. Kear appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday on Thursday the 9th of July where the 50-year-old admitted to one charge of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence involving a child. In addition to this, he pleads guilty to an additional charge of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 13.
Following this, his name will be placed on the sex offender’s register. However, the council are not able to dismiss him unless he receives a custodial sentence of three months or longer. Cllr Michael Graham who is also a local councillor has advised Kear to “do the right thing and step down immediately”.
However, Wakefield Council’s chief legal officer Gillian Marshall has said and places the blame squarely at the feet of central government: “Under Local Authority legislation, Alex Kear remains a councillor. Wakefield Council is powerless to remove him at this stage. The central government has essentially left local councils powerless to take action in these situations. We do not have any authority to remove elected members from their position, regardless of the severity of their alleged crimes unless they receive a significant custodial sentence. Therefore, unless Cllr Kear chooses to resign, he remains a councillor. This will be reviewed when he is sentenced.
Mr Kerr will be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on the 20th of August and UNN’s Oliver Down will keep you up to date with developments.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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