Liberal Councillor’s party membership suspended

Liberal Councillor’s party membership suspended

Ashfield Councillor Nick Adams’ suspension from the Liberal Party, for verbally abusing a television journalist outside Council Chambers, has been ratified by the organisation’s State Executive.

The suspension came after footage of Cr Adams abusing Channel Ten journalist Brett Mason was screened on the network’s news bulletin earlier this month.

Cr Adams has been a controversial figure in recent months, recently accused of neglecting his Council duties in favour of presenting motivational speaking seminars in the United States. The Channel Ten crew were present to film his first appearance at Council since the allegations flared.

Communications Director for the NSW Liberal Party, Wendy Black, said that as far as the party organisation was concerned, Cr Adams was sitting as an independent. “He cannot represent the party in any way while he’s suspended,” she said.

A statement from the NSW Liberal Party State Director, Mark Neeham, said Cr Adams’ actions fell “well below the standard expected of Liberal Party-endorsed councillors.”

Mr Neeham said Cr Adams had been suspended for six months – under the party’s constitution, the maximum penalty available.

He also noted Cr Adams had previously made statements “which similarly were likely to embarrass or cause damage to the reputation of the Liberal Party.”

A spokesperson for Ashfield Council declined to comment, saying the matter was still under investigation.

Cr Adams had failed to respond to requests for comment by the time the Independent went to print.

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