A COUNCIL boss who lost his position after being caught on camera swearing at a member of the public is back at Tendring Council’s top table.

Mick Skeels Snr was removed from his position as cabinet member for leisure and tourism after he was found to have breached the council’s code of conduct.

The St John's ward councillor, who has since switched from the Coastal Independents to the Conservatives, had sworn several times at a resident, who recorded the outburst and uploaded the footage to YouTube.

But Mr Skeels is now back on the council’s cabinet – again as cabinet member for leisure and tourism – following a reshuffle.

Council leader Neil Stock said: “He accepted that he had made a mistake and served his punishment.

“He was a very good member of the cabinet and it would be a shame to deprive the residents of Tendring his skills and abilities.

“I think any punishment should include the hope of redemption and Mick took this on the chin.”

The move means Tanya Ferguson, who was cabinet member for tourism and culture, has been sidelined, as has long-serving cabinet member Nick Turner, who was portfolio holder for commercialisation, seafronts and parking.

Giles Watling has also stood down from his cabinet position following his election as Clacton’s MP, but remains as a backbench councillor.

New faces include Zoe Fairley as cabinet member for investment and growth and Fred Nicholls as cabinet member for corporate enforcement.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Tendring Council leader Neil Stock has welcomed fresh faces to cabinet table

Mr Stock said the move was aimed at giving the council a "refresh" and bringing in some new faces to deal with the challenges facing the council.

“We have a number of major projects on the go, such as Jaywick Sands and garden communities, as well as many other initiatives around the district which we are looking to vigorously pursue,” he said.

“There are also ongoing financial difficulties – which are being faced by all local authorities up and down the country – which are going to call for tough decisions being made.

“We are now halfway through this term of office with the next Tendring Council elections in 2019 and it is only right to take a look at where we are, and where we want to be in the near future.

“While there are tricky challenges ahead it is also a very exciting time for Tendring with so much taking place as we continue to deliver high quality affordable services, while at the same time balancing the books.

“I feel now is the perfect opportunity to have a change which will guide us through a very important period for both the council and the district.”

Carlo Guglielmi remains as cabinet member for finance and corporate resources, Michael Talbot continues as environment portfolio holder.

Paul Honeywood keeps his position as housing boss and Lynda McWilliams remains as cabinet member for health and education.

Labour councillor Ivan Henderson criticised Mr Stock for bringing Mr Skeels back into the cabinet.

He said: "The Labour group - and I'm sure many other councillors - are disgusted by this decision.

"I don't know how they can put Mr Skeels forward as a role model on behalf of the council.

"All people have to do is search his name online to see his abhorrent behaviour in public."

Mr Skeels had not responded at the time of going to press.