Joint deputy leader removed from post after council and fire service bring legal action

The joint deputy leader and finance portfolio holder at Boston Borough Council has been removed from his posts after the authority and the local fire and rescue service brought legal action against him.

Boston BC and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue brought proceedings against Cllr Raymond Singleton-McGuire in his personal capacity for alleged breaches of housing legislation.

Boston’s Leader, Cllr Peter Bedford, said the decision to remove Cllr Singleton-McGuire was “good practice in pursuit of continued good governance”.

The decision was initially pending completion of the proceedings. However, it has become permanent now that Cllr Singleton-McGuire has left the ruling Conservative group and is an 'unaligned independent'.

Cllr Singleton-McGuire told the Boston Standard last week: “After seeking advice, I have been advised to make no further comment with regard to the subsequent press release issued today.”

Cllr Aaron Spencer has since been appointed as Boston’s finance portfolio holder.