Councillor's WhatsApp messages suspension lifted

A Lancashire councillor who was suspended by Reform following "inappropriate" comments made in a WhatsApp group has had the whip restored.

Tom Pickup, who represents Padiham West and Burnley, had been sitting as an independent on the county council since his suspension November.

Reform began an investigation into the comments and, at the time, Pickup said he respected the party's decision to suspend him.

It has now confirmed that "having served a three month suspension for his conduct, the party whip has been restored".

The party continued: "Councillor Pickup has apologised for his comments, which were unprofessional and inappropriate."

Separately, a code of conduct complaint was submitted to the council relating to comments made by others in the group, which Pickup said he was added to and did not actively join or monitor.

At the time Lancashire County Council said the complaint was being handled in line with its established procedures.

The authority has been asked for an update on this process.

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