‘Apologise or resign’ – Labour’s finance boss caught lying about Salvation Army fiasco

York’s Liberal Democrats are calling for the Council’s finance chief to apologise or resign after it has emerged that she made two false statements to the public and press over the Salvation Army fiasco. Cllr Lomas has today been reported to City of York Council’s complaints process for breaking the councillor code of conduct.

Responding to the revelations, Councillor Darryl Smalley, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Housing, said:

“The public have been lied to by Labour and Councillor Lomas over the mess of the Salvation Army contract. It’s taken over a year, but the truth always comes out in the end. City of York Council’s most senior lawyer has confirmed that Councillor Pavlovic did not have a prejudicial interest in Salvation Army contract, and that the previous Lib Dem led administration did not break procurement laws.

“Councillor Lomas must apologise or resign for misleading the public over this whole affair. This has brought great shame and reputational damage to the Council, and the public deserves politicians that are accountable for their actions.

“Of course we don’t expect Cllr Lomas or York Labour to do the right thing, given they haven’t since taking office. If Cllr Lomas does not apologise then we will have no choice but to take the appropriate next steps. It is now for Council’s monitoring officer to take that process forward.

“Councillor Pavlovic abdicated his responsibility as the Council’s housing chief and must now explain exactly why he ran away from making a decision.”