Councillor David Whipp has held a seat on Barnoldswick Town Council for decades, in addition to various positions on Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council. Throughout his tenure, Cllr Whipp has been embroiled in numerous code of conduct violations. While some complaints have been upheld, he has allegedly managed to evade accountability for others. This pattern of behaviour has finally culminated in a critical incident that demands our immediate attention.

Most recently, Cllr Whipp's conduct towards Barnoldswick Town Clerk, Joanne Geldard, led to her resignation. Ms. Geldard, a dedicated public servant, felt compelled to step down due to his unacceptable behaviour and actions. This incident is not an isolated case; it is a demonstration of a broader pattern of negating responsibility and fostering a toxic environment within our local government. Such behaviour not only disrespects individual members of the council but also undermines the trust and integrity of the institutions we rely upon.

We must act now to protect our Town Council and its staff. By allowing such conduct to continue unchecked, we permit damage to the governance of Barnoldswick—a governance that should be upheld by integrity and respect. The current situation with Cllr Whipp is untenable and sets a dangerous precedent if left unaddressed.

This is a call to hold Councillor David Whipp accountable by issuing a vote of no confidence. We demand his immediate resignation to preserve the dignity and functioning of Barnoldswick Town Council. Leadership should exemplify accountability and respect towards both colleagues and the community.

Join us in this effort to ensure that our local government is run by those who are truly committed to serving the public good. Sign this petition to demand the resignation of Councillor David Whipp and make a stand for integrity in our council governance. Together, we can forge a path towards transparent and accountable leadership in Barnoldswick.