Onchan commissioner claims fellow member tried to intimidate him

Another Onchan commissioner has come forward to say a fellow member of the authority tried to intimidate him and influence his vote.

It comes barely a month after James Cherry resigned from the authority, claiming he was subjected to personal attacks.

Last night (26 November), Martin Macfarlane told the board another member had accused him of ‘not voting in the best interests of the ratepayer’.

He said he was confronted earlier this month after Kathryn Williams was chosen as the new lead member for housing, ahead of Anthony Allen, who lost the vote.

Mr Mcfarlane won’t name the member in question, but said the ‘inappropriate behaviour’ was a clear attempt to influence his ‘democratic right to vote’.

He added that if any member felt he wasn’t up to the job, they should bring it to the boardroom, not confront him outside

In response, chairman Robin Turton reminded commissioners to treat each other with respect, and refrain from personal comments.