Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Petition for Sir Bob Russell to be removed from the position of High Steward of Colchester
Final supporters
Following his defeat at the 2015 UK General Election, as a thank you for his years of service to the town, the town’s former MP Sir Bob Russell was appointed to the position of High Steward of Colchester. This is a ceremonial office awarded by Colchester Borough Council to represent the town at events and, very importantly, it is a strictly non-political role. It was highlighted at the time of his appointment that should Sir Bob ever decide to return to politics he would have to stand down.
On Saturday 22nd April 2017, it was announced that Sir Bob would be the Liberal Democrat’s candidate in Colchester at the forthcoming General Election, and on Monday 24th it was revealed that Sir Bob had actually already been selected as the Liberal Democrat’s candidate last year when Theresa May became Prime Minister.
With Sir Bob having returned to the frontline of politics it is not in the spirit with which he was appointed as High Steward that he continues in this role. If he does not resign from this position steps must be taken to have him removed from it.
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Updates
April 26, 2017
The feedback I keep receiving echoes my own conviction that this role must remain neutral. I am currently reaching out to council members to ensure they understand that the integrity of this position is at stake.
April 26, 2017
Seeing this level of support confirms that our community expects neutrality from someone representing our town. It is clear that I am not the only one who believes the spirit of this role has been compromised.
11 Comments
I would never have voted for Sir Bob to be High Steward if I had known he would combine the post with political activity. That goes against the spirit of the post and I believe he should stand down.
I supported Sir Bob Russell in having this role but it was made clear the role was to be above party politics. Standing in a General Election clearly violates that and as such Sir Bob should step down.
Misguided at best, certainly not in the spirit of the High Steward Role.
Very disappointed with Sir Bob. If you are going to get back into politics then resign as High Steward.
He must resign as it a non-political role and it clearly clashes with his attempt to become an MP
Duplicitous of Bob to not resign immediately from the role. He should have left it last uear when he knew he was returning to politics.
Deceitful behaviour not to resign when adopted as a candidate last year.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Petition for Sir Bob Russell to be removed from the position of High Steward of Colchester
Final supporters
Following his defeat at the 2015 UK General Election, as a thank you for his years of service to the town, the town’s former MP Sir Bob Russell was appointed to the position of High Steward of Colchester. This is a ceremonial office awarded by Colchester Borough Council to represent the town at events and, very importantly, it is a strictly non-political role. It was highlighted at the time of his appointment that should Sir Bob ever decide to return to politics he would have to stand down.
On Saturday 22nd April 2017, it was announced that Sir Bob would be the Liberal Democrat’s candidate in Colchester at the forthcoming General Election, and on Monday 24th it was revealed that Sir Bob had actually already been selected as the Liberal Democrat’s candidate last year when Theresa May became Prime Minister.
With Sir Bob having returned to the frontline of politics it is not in the spirit with which he was appointed as High Steward that he continues in this role. If he does not resign from this position steps must be taken to have him removed from it.
Updates
April 26, 2017
The feedback I keep receiving echoes my own conviction that this role must remain neutral. I am currently reaching out to council members to ensure they understand that the integrity of this position is at stake.
April 26, 2017
Seeing this level of support confirms that our community expects neutrality from someone representing our town. It is clear that I am not the only one who believes the spirit of this role has been compromised.
11 Comments
I find it particularly deceitful that Sir Bob has held this non-political role while hiding the fact he was the candidate selected for the Lib Dems since last summer.
I would never have voted for Sir Bob to be High Steward if I had known he would combine the post with political activity. That goes against the spirit of the post and I believe he should stand down.
I supported Sir Bob Russell in having this role but it was made clear the role was to be above party politics. Standing in a General Election clearly violates that and as such Sir Bob should step down.
Misguided at best, certainly not in the spirit of the High Steward Role.
Very disappointed with Sir Bob. If you are going to get back into politics then resign as High Steward.
He must resign as it a non-political role and it clearly clashes with his attempt to become an MP
Duplicitous of Bob to not resign immediately from the role. He should have left it last uear when he knew he was returning to politics.
Deceitful behaviour not to resign when adopted as a candidate last year.
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I find it particularly deceitful that Sir Bob has held this non-political role while hiding the fact he was the candidate selected for the Lib Dems since last summer.