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North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet member for safer communities, James Sawkins, has stepped down from his position. The move was confirmed today by the leader of the Reform-led minority administration, Councilor Oliver Freeston.
The move follows a letter sent by Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn last night to Reform’s chairman, Lee Anderson MP, in which she questioned whether Reform UK had taken “appropriate interim arrangements” in relation to “an ongoing police investigation”. She asked the president if the reform councilor for Waltham would be suspended.
Humberside Police previously confirmed that a 43-year-old man was arrested following police raids on properties on Yarborough Road and Grange Close in Waltham last month, along with a 43-year-old woman.
A statement at the time said: “A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of concealing criminal property, administering a harmful substance with intent, supplying an unauthorized medical product and possession of class A drugs. A 43-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of concealing criminal property, administering an unauthorized medical supply and since then an unauthorized medical supply. Conditionally bailed pending enquiries. run.”
During the raids in September, a quantity of licensed medicines was seized along with cash, the statement said. Grimsby Live understands that the raids took place at the Grab&Go food outlet on Yarborough Road, Grimsby, where Councilor Sawkins is a director, according to his list of members’ interests, and at the family’s home in Waltham.
Today, the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council said in a statement to Grimsby Live: “I wanted to update you all on the decisions I have taken following the events of the last few days. I promised transparent leadership and that is what you continue to get.
“I have agreed with Cllr Sawkins that, as he continues to mourn the loss of his father, who sadly passed away last month and has not yet been buried, he will step down from his cabinet responsibilities. Given the incredibly sensitive personal circumstances he is dealing with, I believe this is the right and responsible approach, and in the best interests of the borough.“I understand that Cllr Sawkins has not been charged with any offence, and that the allegations relate to a third party. Cllr Sawkins will therefore remain a Reform UK councilor but stand down from Cabinet.“The responsibilities he previously held will continue to be shared temporarily between existing cabinet members, which will save taxpayers money. As leader, I will oversee all portfolios and ensure that everything remains properly covered, as I have done since I took compassionate leave a few weeks ago. I will be presenting longer-term arrangements in the next few weeks.”
Ms Onn said she questioned whether the leader of NELC, Councilor Freeston, reflected the commitment to residents when he took office and promised “a transparent and accountable administration”.
Last night she asked party president Lee Anderson if Councilor Sawkins would be suspended from the party. Grimsby Live asked Reform UK for a statement on the situation earlier this week, but has yet to receive a response.
Councilor Sawkins has been contacted for comment.
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