A Wokingham Borough councillor has been suspended from the Labour party, and is currently sitting as an Independent councillor.
Alex Freeney, who represents Loddon ward in Woodley, was elected in May 2024 with 1,159 votes, equal to 15% of the vote, and became one of the three elected Labour councillors for the ward.
The investigation comes after he is alleged to have made derogatory and abusive comments about Conservative candidates at last year’s local election vote count.
It is not known how long the investigation will take, however Cllr Freeney continued to sit alongside his former Labour colleagues at last week’s full council meeting.
Whilst declining to comment on details of the complaint, Cllr Freeney told Wokingham Today: “I would like to reassure my residents that I remain wholeheartedly committed to public service in my role as a councillor for Loddon ward.
“Last week I secured a funding commitment from the leader of the council for CCTV to be installed outside Woodley library, which will protect students from being disturbed by antisocial behaviour.
“I am also determined to work with my colleagues to improve transport links to Twyford rail station, and have supported residents dealing with housing concerns.
“I have dedicated over a third of my life to the Labour party, and believe it is the only organisation capable of achieving large-scale progress for working people in this country.”
Fellow councillors were advised of the news by email prior to last week’s meeting.
A Labour party spokesperson told Wokingham Today: “The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously, and they are all investigated in line with our rules and procedures.”
It is understood the party cannot comment further on the details of individual disciplinary cases for confidentiality and data protection reasons.
Note: Our original headline was change to reflect the fact Cllr Freeney has been suspended from Labour, and not from the council.
