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Regeneration chief is sacked in row

6:19am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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By Will Kilner »

Councillor Andrew Mallinson has been sacked from his high-profile role as Bradford Council's regeneration chief, it emerged today.

Coun Mallinson said he felt "bewildered" after being told to clear his desk by Councillor Kris Hopkins, leader of the Council, during an angry exchange in a meeting at City Hall.

He said he had been fired over personal issues regarding his loyalty to Coun Hopkins and described the decision as "a massive personal blow".

Last week, Coun Mallinson mounted an unsuccessful challenge to Councillor Dale Smith's position as deputy leader of Bradford Council's Conservative group.

"Some of it has been sparked by my challenge for the deputy leadership - that seems to be the only issue," said Coun Mallinson, who was appointed as executive member for regeneration and housing two years ago.

"He seems to have some sort of issue whereby he thinks I was somehow challenging his position.

"My challenge went through the process and was unsuccessful. As far as I was concerned, it was showing my intent to the group that I had ambitions, but I was in no way bitter after the vote and things are amicable between me and the deputy leader.

"It all started last Thursday when I was invited to his office for a chat and he said I am trying to think of a good reason why I shouldn't sack you.' I said let's start with the reason why you should sack me.' "He told me he had got no issues about the job I had been doing, but it was about loyalty to him. At that point, I was told I was sacked, to get out of his office and to clear my desk.

"I was persuaded by Councillor Dale Smith to go in on Monday and have another chat with him. I expected that meeting to be a gentlemanly conversation about the issues, but it lasted all of 30 seconds."

Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder or as chairman of the Keighley and Ilkley Conservatives. He said: "As chairman of the Keighley and Ilkley association, I have just got two new councillors into two hotly contested seats. How can you better support a leader than delivering two new councillors into the Council?"

He sent his best wishes to his successor for regeneration, officers of the Council and the people he had met in the last two years.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus last night, Coun Hopkins said: "I had a confidential meeting with Councillor Mallinson, as a consequence of that I have a series of decisions to make.

"It's rather sad that one tries to have a private and confidential meeting and their response is to go to the media - it's extremely sad. I have nothing further to say at this moment in time. I am extremely supportive of the work he has done."

e-mail: will.kilner @telegraphandargus.co.uk

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Your Say YourBradford

JONBOY, BINGLEY says...
10:03pm Thu 15 May 08

IF HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING HE SHOULD BE SACKED. WHEN YOU READ IN THE T&A ABOUT THE APPALLING STATE OF SOME SOCIAL HOUSING, BUT I THOUGHT THEY FARMED THAT OUT YEARS AGO WITH NEARLY EVERY OTHER RESPONSIBILATY THE COUNCIL IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE.
WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO?
Report this post »

JONBOY, BINGLEY says...
10:03pm Thu 15 May 08

IF HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING HE SHOULD BE SACKED. WHEN YOU READ IN THE T&A ABOUT THE APPALLING STATE OF SOME SOCIAL HOUSING, BUT I THOUGHT THEY FARMED THAT OUT YEARS AGO WITH NEARLY EVERY OTHER RESPONSIBILATY THE COUNCIL IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE.
WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO?
Report this post »

JONBOY, BINGLEY says...
10:03pm Thu 15 May 08

IF HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING HE SHOULD BE SACKED. WHEN YOU READ IN THE T&A ABOUT THE APPALLING STATE OF SOME SOCIAL HOUSING, BUT I THOUGHT THEY FARMED THAT OUT YEARS AGO WITH NEARLY EVERY OTHER RESPONSIBILATY THE COUNCIL IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE.
WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO?
Report this post »

cityhall, bradford says...
9:54pm Thu 15 May 08

..... and if you think Hopkins is rude to his fellow conservatives you should hear how he speaks to Council officers....
Report this post »

cityhall, bradford says...
9:54pm Thu 15 May 08

..... and if you think Hopkins is rude to his fellow conservatives you should hear how he speaks to Council officers....
Report this post »

cityhall, bradford says...
9:54pm Thu 15 May 08

..... and if you think Hopkins is rude to his fellow conservatives you should hear how he speaks to Council officers....
Report this post »

Phosphor, Bradford BD10 says...
10:22am Thu 15 May 08

There are some cracking comments here on this sorry episode. That Cllr Mallinson is dumped is surprising only in that his loyalty was in question sooner than his inability to get anything done about the pyramids opf rubble in the heart of our city. Perhaps the developer will find economic conditions now too hard to carry on and the site will stagnate once more. And who is responsible for the shameful neglect of the Odean site? - an icon scheduled for demolition like so many of Bradford's most important buildings the Council has razed to the ground. My list begins with lost gems like the Kirkgate Market, the Swan Arcade and the superb Mechanics Institute. Bradford was at heart a Victorian city and with the loss of so many treasures how can we hope to attract tourists and their spending power here? With modern shopping malls that look no different from all the other shopping malls? I don’t think so.
Report this post »

Phosphor, Bradford BD10 says...
10:22am Thu 15 May 08

There are some cracking comments here on this sorry episode. That Cllr Mallinson is dumped is surprising only in that his loyalty was in question sooner than his inability to get anything done about the pyramids opf rubble in the heart of our city. Perhaps the developer will find economic conditions now too hard to carry on and the site will stagnate once more. And who is responsible for the shameful neglect of the Odean site? - an icon scheduled for demolition like so many of Bradford's most important buildings the Council has razed to the ground. My list begins with lost gems like the Kirkgate Market, the Swan Arcade and the superb Mechanics Institute. Bradford was at heart a Victorian city and with the loss of so many treasures how can we hope to attract tourists and their spending power here? With modern shopping malls that look no different from all the other shopping malls? I don’t think so.
Report this post »

Phosphor, Bradford BD10 says...
10:22am Thu 15 May 08

There are some cracking comments here on this sorry episode. That Cllr Mallinson is dumped is surprising only in that his loyalty was in question sooner than his inability to get anything done about the pyramids opf rubble in the heart of our city. Perhaps the developer will find economic conditions now too hard to carry on and the site will stagnate once more. And who is responsible for the shameful neglect of the Odean site? - an icon scheduled for demolition like so many of Bradford's most important buildings the Council has razed to the ground. My list begins with lost gems like the Kirkgate Market, the Swan Arcade and the superb Mechanics Institute. Bradford was at heart a Victorian city and with the loss of so many treasures how can we hope to attract tourists and their spending power here? With modern shopping malls that look no different from all the other shopping malls? I don’t think so.
Report this post »

Maggie, Addingham says...
11:22pm Wed 14 May 08

I for one am pleased to see Cllr Mallinson go, he does beggar all for my area, and he is not on his own either. Cllr Michael should be the next one on the list - mind you what does he do?? Obesity awareness - why?, because he isnt capable of anything else.

It seems to me that Cllr Anne Hawksworth is the hard worker in our area - I think she has probably carried Mallinson and Kelly on many, many occasions.

I'm glad he got the boot - It shows Cllr Hopkins is a leader and not a follower. Makes a change for Brad Met councillors.
Report this post »

Maggie, Addingham says...
11:22pm Wed 14 May 08

I for one am pleased to see Cllr Mallinson go, he does beggar all for my area, and he is not on his own either. Cllr Michael should be the next one on the list - mind you what does he do?? Obesity awareness - why?, because he isnt capable of anything else.

It seems to me that Cllr Anne Hawksworth is the hard worker in our area - I think she has probably carried Mallinson and Kelly on many, many occasions.

I'm glad he got the boot - It shows Cllr Hopkins is a leader and not a follower. Makes a change for Brad Met councillors.
Report this post »

Maggie, Addingham says...
11:22pm Wed 14 May 08

I for one am pleased to see Cllr Mallinson go, he does beggar all for my area, and he is not on his own either. Cllr Michael should be the next one on the list - mind you what does he do?? Obesity awareness - why?, because he isnt capable of anything else.

It seems to me that Cllr Anne Hawksworth is the hard worker in our area - I think she has probably carried Mallinson and Kelly on many, many occasions.

I'm glad he got the boot - It shows Cllr Hopkins is a leader and not a follower. Makes a change for Brad Met councillors.
Report this post »

Sarah, Bradford says...
9:57pm Wed 14 May 08

This seems a bit of a shame. I don't think much to politicians, but this fella appeared to be hard-working and genuine. He was also the only person able to organise an event in Bradford city centre at the moment. The Classic Car Show has been growing in stature each year thanks to this guy. At a time when the International Market Festival, Victorian fetsival etc are all being cancelled, the car show is the only thing that attracts people to this hell hole!
Report this post »

Sarah, Bradford says...
9:57pm Wed 14 May 08

This seems a bit of a shame. I don't think much to politicians, but this fella appeared to be hard-working and genuine. He was also the only person able to organise an event in Bradford city centre at the moment. The Classic Car Show has been growing in stature each year thanks to this guy. At a time when the International Market Festival, Victorian fetsival etc are all being cancelled, the car show is the only thing that attracts people to this hell hole!
Report this post »

Sarah, Bradford says...
9:57pm Wed 14 May 08

This seems a bit of a shame. I don't think much to politicians, but this fella appeared to be hard-working and genuine. He was also the only person able to organise an event in Bradford city centre at the moment. The Classic Car Show has been growing in stature each year thanks to this guy. At a time when the International Market Festival, Victorian fetsival etc are all being cancelled, the car show is the only thing that attracts people to this hell hole!
Report this post »

Alan, Silsden says...
9:22pm Wed 14 May 08

If they are so bad why do you all keep voting the Tories in in Bradford?
Report this post »

Alan, Silsden says...
9:22pm Wed 14 May 08

If they are so bad why do you all keep voting the Tories in in Bradford?
Report this post »

Alan, Silsden says...
9:22pm Wed 14 May 08

If they are so bad why do you all keep voting the Tories in in Bradford?
Report this post »

Dan, Bradford says...
9:18pm Wed 14 May 08

Hmmm... given his recent comments about bulldozing the Odeon, I care not for this individual. He will doubtlessly be replaced by another clone though, and has been sacked by a similarly crap politician.
Report this post »

Dan, Bradford says...
9:18pm Wed 14 May 08

Hmmm... given his recent comments about bulldozing the Odeon, I care not for this individual. He will doubtlessly be replaced by another clone though, and has been sacked by a similarly crap politician.
Report this post »

Dan, Bradford says...
9:18pm Wed 14 May 08

Hmmm... given his recent comments about bulldozing the Odeon, I care not for this individual. He will doubtlessly be replaced by another clone though, and has been sacked by a similarly crap politician.
Report this post »

Alan, Silsden says...
7:06pm Wed 14 May 08

It's a pity that one of the better Tory politicians has had to go!
At least he made the effort!
I hope everyone remembers Bully Hopkins when he stands for MP in Keighley!
Report this post »

Alan, Silsden says...
7:06pm Wed 14 May 08

It's a pity that one of the better Tory politicians has had to go!
At least he made the effort!
I hope everyone remembers Bully Hopkins when he stands for MP in Keighley!
Report this post »

Alan, Silsden says...
7:06pm Wed 14 May 08

It's a pity that one of the better Tory politicians has had to go!
At least he made the effort!
I hope everyone remembers Bully Hopkins when he stands for MP in Keighley!
Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
5:17pm Wed 14 May 08

There are no "good guy" politicians, just bad, worse and appalling. No1 is all they are worried about.
Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
5:17pm Wed 14 May 08

There are no "good guy" politicians, just bad, worse and appalling. No1 is all they are worried about.
Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
5:17pm Wed 14 May 08

There are no "good guy" politicians, just bad, worse and appalling. No1 is all they are worried about.
Report this post »

Mr Sensible, Bingley says...
5:15pm Wed 14 May 08

Any truth in the rumour that he is to take up a position at Bradford City?
Report this post »

Mr Sensible, Bingley says...
5:15pm Wed 14 May 08

Any truth in the rumour that he is to take up a position at Bradford City?
Report this post »

Mr Sensible, Bingley says...
5:15pm Wed 14 May 08

Any truth in the rumour that he is to take up a position at Bradford City?
Report this post »

Keighley, Keighley says...
4:48pm Wed 14 May 08

Good point "Carrie Bradford"
Report this post »

Keighley, Keighley says...
4:48pm Wed 14 May 08

Good point "Carrie Bradford"
Report this post »

Keighley, Keighley says...
4:48pm Wed 14 May 08

Good point "Carrie Bradford"
Report this post »

Carrie Bradford, London says...
4:42pm Wed 14 May 08

I agree, Hopkins sounds like a playground bully. If this is the attitude he shows towards his colleagues I dread to think with what regard he holds his constituants!
Report this post »

Carrie Bradford, London says...
4:42pm Wed 14 May 08

I agree, Hopkins sounds like a playground bully. If this is the attitude he shows towards his colleagues I dread to think with what regard he holds his constituants!
Report this post »

Carrie Bradford, London says...
4:42pm Wed 14 May 08

I agree, Hopkins sounds like a playground bully. If this is the attitude he shows towards his colleagues I dread to think with what regard he holds his constituants!
Report this post »

Keighley, Keighley says...
4:02pm Wed 14 May 08

I thought he was a good guy. What an appalling manner of sacking someone, politician or not. What an insight into Hopkins.
Report this post »

Keighley, Keighley says...
4:02pm Wed 14 May 08

I thought he was a good guy. What an appalling manner of sacking someone, politician or not. What an insight into Hopkins.
Report this post »

Keighley, Keighley says...
4:02pm Wed 14 May 08

I thought he was a good guy. What an appalling manner of sacking someone, politician or not. What an insight into Hopkins.
Report this post »

adam, Bradford says...
2:00pm Wed 14 May 08

No honour among thieves comes to mind. They are all as bad as each other. Stuff the lot of them and put them on mantle piece.
Report this post »

adam, Bradford says...
2:00pm Wed 14 May 08

No honour among thieves comes to mind. They are all as bad as each other. Stuff the lot of them and put them on mantle piece.
Report this post »

adam, Bradford says...
2:00pm Wed 14 May 08

No honour among thieves comes to mind. They are all as bad as each other. Stuff the lot of them and put them on mantle piece.
Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
1:31pm Wed 14 May 08

skippy wrote:
mallison is b-wildered i wondered where hed gone
I heard he had got a job working with mules.
Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
1:31pm Wed 14 May 08

skippy wrote:
mallison is b-wildered i wondered where hed gone
I heard he had got a job working with mules.
Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
1:31pm Wed 14 May 08

skippy wrote:
mallison is b-wildered i wondered where hed gone
I heard he had got a job working with mules.
Report this post »

Agatha Worzel, Here says...
1:09pm Wed 14 May 08

what was the question ????
Report this post »

Agatha Worzel, Here says...
1:09pm Wed 14 May 08

what was the question ????
Report this post »

Agatha Worzel, Here says...
1:09pm Wed 14 May 08

what was the question ????
Report this post »

skippy, says...
12:44pm Wed 14 May 08

mallison is b-wildered i wondered where hed gone
Report this post »

skippy, says...
12:44pm Wed 14 May 08

mallison is b-wildered i wondered where hed gone
Report this post »

skippy, says...
12:44pm Wed 14 May 08

mallison is b-wildered i wondered where hed gone
Report this post »

Dragonmad, Bradford says...
11:58am Wed 14 May 08

Divers_uk wrote:
"Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder" What regeneration?
If Regen2000 is anything to go by I am not suprised that we don't see any regeneration in the City. It was a shambles from start to finish.
Report this post »

Dragonmad, Bradford says...
11:58am Wed 14 May 08

Divers_uk wrote:
"Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder" What regeneration?
If Regen2000 is anything to go by I am not suprised that we don't see any regeneration in the City. It was a shambles from start to finish.
Report this post »

Dragonmad, Bradford says...
11:58am Wed 14 May 08

Divers_uk wrote:
"Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder" What regeneration?
If Regen2000 is anything to go by I am not suprised that we don't see any regeneration in the City. It was a shambles from start to finish.
Report this post »

David, Bradford says...
11:23am Wed 14 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
may be we could get one of them apprentices sir alan sugar has sacked to take over.lol
Alan Sugar, he would have sacked all this lot a long time ago.
There would now be shops in the City Center and a New Victoria theatre to go to tonight.
Report this post »

David, Bradford says...
11:23am Wed 14 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
may be we could get one of them apprentices sir alan sugar has sacked to take over.lol
Alan Sugar, he would have sacked all this lot a long time ago.
There would now be shops in the City Center and a New Victoria theatre to go to tonight.
Report this post »

David, Bradford says...
11:23am Wed 14 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
may be we could get one of them apprentices sir alan sugar has sacked to take over.lol
Alan Sugar, he would have sacked all this lot a long time ago.
There would now be shops in the City Center and a New Victoria theatre to go to tonight.
Report this post »

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
10:58am Wed 14 May 08

may be we could get one of them apprentices sir alan sugar has sacked to take over.lol
Report this post »

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
10:58am Wed 14 May 08

may be we could get one of them apprentices sir alan sugar has sacked to take over.lol
Report this post »

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
10:58am Wed 14 May 08

may be we could get one of them apprentices sir alan sugar has sacked to take over.lol
Report this post »

imran, Bradford says...
10:27am Wed 14 May 08

Individuals charged with regeneration that fail to deliver it need to have the integrity to step aside when they have failed their citizens.

But if its a loyalty issue that removes him from this post fine.

These guys need to be accountable - if not to voters, then to one another.
Report this post »

imran, Bradford says...
10:27am Wed 14 May 08

Individuals charged with regeneration that fail to deliver it need to have the integrity to step aside when they have failed their citizens.

But if its a loyalty issue that removes him from this post fine.

These guys need to be accountable - if not to voters, then to one another.
Report this post »

imran, Bradford says...
10:27am Wed 14 May 08

Individuals charged with regeneration that fail to deliver it need to have the integrity to step aside when they have failed their citizens.

But if its a loyalty issue that removes him from this post fine.

These guys need to be accountable - if not to voters, then to one another.
Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
10:15am Wed 14 May 08

This news hads made my day. thanks
Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
10:15am Wed 14 May 08

This news hads made my day. thanks
Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
10:15am Wed 14 May 08

This news hads made my day. thanks
Report this post »

vertically polarised, Idle Hill says...
9:44am Wed 14 May 08

So farewell then
Councillor No Mall Sin
Your name lies in
Ruins
At the bottom
Of Church Bank
Report this post »

vertically polarised, Idle Hill says...
9:44am Wed 14 May 08

So farewell then
Councillor No Mall Sin
Your name lies in
Ruins
At the bottom
Of Church Bank
Report this post »

vertically polarised, Idle Hill says...
9:44am Wed 14 May 08

So farewell then
Councillor No Mall Sin
Your name lies in
Ruins
At the bottom
Of Church Bank
Report this post »

mad matt, Bradford says...
8:50am Wed 14 May 08

It's about time all the useless layabouts were cleared out from the council - once they get in there and make themselves comfortable, nothing gets done.
Report this post »

mad matt, Bradford says...
8:50am Wed 14 May 08

It's about time all the useless layabouts were cleared out from the council - once they get in there and make themselves comfortable, nothing gets done.
Report this post »

mad matt, Bradford says...
8:50am Wed 14 May 08

It's about time all the useless layabouts were cleared out from the council - once they get in there and make themselves comfortable, nothing gets done.
Report this post »

Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
8:35am Wed 14 May 08

Well, he could always go to the job centre and apply for a job as a bulldozer driver! Glad to see the back of him... Hopefully Maud will be next!
Report this post »

Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
8:35am Wed 14 May 08

Well, he could always go to the job centre and apply for a job as a bulldozer driver! Glad to see the back of him... Hopefully Maud will be next!
Report this post »

Odeon Crusader, Bradford says...
8:35am Wed 14 May 08

Well, he could always go to the job centre and apply for a job as a bulldozer driver! Glad to see the back of him... Hopefully Maud will be next!
Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
8:12am Wed 14 May 08

"Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder"

What regeneration?
Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
8:12am Wed 14 May 08

"Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder"

What regeneration?
Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
8:12am Wed 14 May 08

"Coun Mallinson said the sacking appeared to be no reflection on his work as regeneration portfolio holder"

What regeneration?
Report this post »

Andy Bairsto, bradford says...
7:23am Wed 14 May 08

Couldn't have happened to a nicer man when are the rest of the leeches going to go.
Report this post »

Andy Bairsto, bradford says...
7:23am Wed 14 May 08

Couldn't have happened to a nicer man when are the rest of the leeches going to go.
Report this post »

Andy Bairsto, bradford says...
7:23am Wed 14 May 08

Couldn't have happened to a nicer man when are the rest of the leeches going to go.
Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:33am Wed 14 May 08

Well well, fighting among themselves now!
Is this just the start?
Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:33am Wed 14 May 08

Well well, fighting among themselves now!
Is this just the start?
Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:33am Wed 14 May 08

Well well, fighting among themselves now!
Is this just the start?
Report this post »

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Councillor Andrew Mallinson

Councillor Andrew Mallinson