Lib Dems Speak Out Following Council Leader’s Drink-Drive Conviction

Published on: 16 May, 2013
Updated on: 16 May, 2013

Cllr David Goodwin, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Guildford Borough Council

David Goodwin, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Guildford Borough Council has spoken out following the news of Council Leader Mansbridge’s (Con, South Ash and Tongham) drink-drive conviction.

Cllr Goodwin said: “Initially when we were informed of the situation we were simply told that Cllr Mansbridge had been convicted, fined and banned for drink-driving, and therefore we decided that this was a personal matter.

“However, as more details of the offence have become public through the press, we have been shocked to discover that he was nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit, that this was a second offence (the last being nine years ago) and that Cllr Mansbridge had received the maximum driving ban of 40 months.

“In light of this we feel that we cannot remain silent as it raises serious questions regarding his suitability to lead Guildford Borough Council which the Conservative Group need to consider.”

Cllr Zoe Franklin (Lib Dem, Stoke) deputy group leader and group spokesperson said: “Following the revelation on Sunday evening in the Guildford Dragon NEWS that Cllr Mansbridge was convicted on 30th April 2013 of drink-driving and the  subsequent information that has come to light, the Liberal Democrat Group feel compelled to speak out.

“Drink-driving is a dangerous and irresponsible action that puts other people’s lives at risk and is not acceptable behaviour. Figures from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for 2011 (provisional) state that 280 people were killed, 1290 seriously injured and almost 10,000 casualties were caused as the result of drink-driving accidents.

“The Liberal Democrat Group consider that although this took place outside of Cllr Mansbridge’s role as a councillor and therefore is a personal and private matter, drink-driving is a serious offence. We now also know that this is a second conviction and that Cllr Mansbridge was nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit for driving and this is of significant concern. Any individual who holds public office, especially such a senior role, has a responsibility to behave as a role model and in a manner fitting of that office.

“The Liberal Democrat Group respect the fact that the Conservatives on Guildford Borough Council need to come to their own conclusions about the future of [the leadership of] their group. However, we do feel that the situation raises serious questions regarding Cllr Mansbridge’s suitability to lead their group and the council.

“One such question is the future working relationship between Cllr Mansbridge and the Police and Crime Commissioner Kevin Hurley who has clearly spoken of his Zero Tolerance approach to crime.

“Should Cllr Mansbridge continue in his role as Leader of Guildford Borough Council the Liberal Democrat Group feel it is only right that any travel expenses (such as taxis or train fares) that result from his driving ban should be met personally and not by Guildford Borough Council and therefore the people of Guildford.”

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