Time was when Sandwell’s Labour councillors would close ranks to cover the deficiencies of a colleague and suppress scandal. Councillors deemed past their shelf life were ruthlessly eliminated and fell upon their swords without a squeak of public protest from them and overnight became non persons disappearing without trace. No longer is there this ruthless unity as demonstrated by the case of Cllr. Simon Hackett.
For some time now there has been social media chatter about a Sandwell councillor waving his manhood about in public. Saner comments referred to the gentleman relieving himself in a bus shelter, the more extreme suggested some priapic rampage worthy of ancient Rome. Just the kind of conduct to provoke vicarious excitement among many readers of social media.
But until the last few days the identity of the councillor has remained undisclosed. The BBC on 25th May was the first to name Cllr. Hackett, rapidly followed two days later by the eager newshounds at the Express and Star. Along with this allegation it was alleged that Cllr. Hackett had attempted to get Sandwell council to re-purchase a former council house owned by his mother and to get a parking ticket cancelled.
Cllr. Hackett denies all these allegations and until they are proved whether by an identity parade to pick out the offending member or otherwise, judgement must be reserved. What however is significant is the similarity in the allegations made against Cllr Hackett and some of those made against Cllr Hussain. Both are accused of attempting to persuade the council to buy land owned by a relative. Both are accused of interfering in the due process regarding parking tickets.
That such allegations should be made against Cllr. Hackett is ironic because early on in the investigations into Cllr Hussain, Cllr Hackett was quick to denounce him and argue that he should never again hold cabinet office in Sandwell. It remains to be seen if Cllr Hackett’s Friar Park roost will be crammed with returning chickens.
It may also be relevant that Cllr Hackett has been named now when some of the allegations are months old. Might it have something to do with the bruising local Labour leadership contest and divisions among the comrades? Cllr. Hackett is a friend of and fellow masticator with Tom Watson (it is a novelty to see either not gum chewing). Tom is well known and much loathed by a significant number of Sandwell Labour councillors.