16 Comments
User's avatar
Kev's avatar

I just received an email from Peterborough Cathedral claiming they have the world's largest dinosaur on display but I think they might have competition

Dave Pearson's avatar

"DARVO behaviour" is a new acronym for me, but a useful one: Deflect, Attack and Reverse Victim and Offender. Not only did Cllr York's explanation display "classic DARVO behaviour", but so did Cllr Arnull's response! When the victim, Cllr Aldridge, called out the offender, Cllr York for his misogyny, Cllr Arnull called it "political point scoring from an opposition member". He literally blamed the victim!

Reform have promised that if they are elected to government they will repeal the Equality Act “on day one”. The act protects women from being discriminated against because they are women. Any woman who votes for Reform is asking to be made a second-class citizen.

Robert ANDERSON's avatar

True colours starting to emerge and then swiftly deflect and blame others.

Anita Andree Marie SHIELDS's avatar

Firstly, I concur with all previous comments made. Mark Arnull is a misogynist. He talk about investigating like some later day "Poirot". (If only). The words that he uses to describe his political opponent absolutely applies to him. He his small minded and goes for "political points scoring" whenever he can.

Simon Tilley's avatar

He's not a total misogynist, he displays some very weird protection towards the female PFCC in shielding her from scrutiny about failing to do her job. Maybe in his mind this balances the books. He is just adding to the regional embarrassment for our county which I am sure will feature in the next Private Eye.

Anita Andree Marie SHIELDS's avatar

Arnull treat the PFCC has if she was his "granny". However, the debts she accumulated is getting out of hand. How long will Arnull will be able to get away with it in the way he protect her? That is the question 🤔

David Brede's avatar

If Arnull had any courage he would sack Cllr York on the spot.

James Hill's avatar

There is no way he will do this now Reform have a majority of just 1 unfortunately

Andy Davies's avatar

Whenever the ancient ‘context’ excuse is dragged out I always wonder in what context WOULD this be acceptable?

And, as for not repeating it, all Arnull means is that it won’t happen publicly.

It, & scores of other Neanderthal attitudes, will continue behind closed doors because blokes like these can neither change nor would they want to.

Driver Andy

Craig Lewis's avatar

Was about to write the same… if the issue here is ‘context’ in what context would that comment be ok?

Presumably as a joke? In which case… no, it’s not ok!

Lo's avatar

I really don’t know what we’ve done to our county, we’re becoming a laughing stock again. I only hope that the experiences of the people living in Reform run councils is helping their support start to disappear nationally

James Hill's avatar

Lots of people are hell bent on voting Reform sadly! But we cant give up.

Simon Tilley's avatar

I think we all need to take a moment to recognise the refreshing honesty here. The leader of the council Mr Arnull has called the whole thing “political point scoring”, which is quite a remarkable admission.

After all, if he were to suspend the councillor over the misogynistic remark (echo everyone else that I would love to know the context where this makes sense - await the full conversation) he would lose one seat or point in the much needed numbers to keep his majority and therefore control of the council. So it’s rather brave of him to openly acknowledge that retaining power is more important than addressing the behaviour itself.

In a strange way, it’s almost admirable. We don’t often see politicians quite so candid about putting political arithmetic ahead of principle, although I do question where the line in the sand is if political point scoring now means every councillor is now the deciding vote and has a free pass to act as they please.

NNJ Reader's avatar

Disgusting person, should not hold any power anywhere, not fit for purpose.