Disgraced councillor should go say voters

Suzanne Rutter | Friday, 20 October 2006 Source: Halifax Courier

CONSTITUENTS of benefit cheat councillor Richard Mulhall have called for him to be kicked off Calderdale Council.

Speaking shortly after the 38-year-old was convicted of four counts of benefit fraud voters in the Illingworth and Mixenden ward he represents were quick to condemn the far right activist.

Paddy Maguire, 39, of Cousin Lane, Illingworth, also said: "It's a travesty that people strive for power, recognition and support - and then there are those that abuse the system. Benefit fraud is utterly wrong.

"It's stealing from the people he represents.

"He should be kicked out of the council."

Catherine Callaghan, 45, of Halifax, said: "If he has been found guilty of fraud I can't see how the constituents can have faith in him.

"I think he should resign because people can't place their trust in him and being a councillor is a position of trust."

David Parker, 54, of St Winifred's Close, Illingworth, said: "He seems to think there's nothing wrong in what he's done but he's ignorant.

"He isn't setting a good example."

Andrea Pilling, 36, of Grove Croft, Ovenden, said: "Councillors earn enough money as it is. The council should sack him."

Emma Thomas, 19, of Cousin Lane, Illingworth, said she wouldn't vote for Mulhall.

"They go on about not committing crimes but they do it themselves – it's double standards. I wouldn't trust someone who had done that. I wouldn't vote for him."

Carol Crabtree, 62, of Illingworth Road, Illingworth, said: "It's down to him to prove he is a good councillor but if he's committed fraud then he shouldn't really be a councillor.

"If it's a lot of money it's serious enough for him to resign. He should practise what he preaches."

Not all his support has collapsed with Anne O'Shea, 36, of Forest Green, Ovenden, telling the Courier:

"I'm not saying it's right, but this doesn't make him a bad person. He will still get my vote."

Dr Phil Edwards, national PR officer for the BNP, said: "We find this case outrageous.

"We think the prosecution is politically motivated because Richard is a councillor for the BNP and the establishment treat us differently.

"People think we don't treat others fairly, but we are not treated fairly.

"The Benefits Agency made the mistake and once Richard found out he gave the money back. He wasn't being dishonest.

"He hasn't done anything wrong."