News Release

2nd November 2007

THE STANDARDS BOARD AND CLLR MIKE FRYERS

Michael Fabricant has written to Sir Anthony Holland, Chairman of The Standards Board for England, in support of Cllr Mike Fryers who was recently found guilty of common assault. "While I do not condone what Mike did, he has been punished enough" says Michael Fabricant "and the Board should take into account that he has been a hard working and assiduous councillor on behalf of his electorate. I hope he will be able to remain a councillor continuing to work hard for the ward in which he lives."

In his letter to Sir Anthony, Michael wrote:-

"While I do not condone the sad incident which occurred between him and another elderly gentleman late at night in a Lichfield public house, Cllr Fryers has suffered and been punished enough by being stripped of the mayoralty of Lichfield and having his name and character ridiculed in the local and national press.

"Cllr Fryers is an assiduous councillor, hard working and charitable and was a respected member of his ward and community as a consequence. I believe that he should be allowed time to earn back that respect and I am sure he has learned a valuable lesson from his recent experience.

"It should be for the local community to express their view when he next stands for election. I hope that the Standards Board will agree that his fine should be no impediment to his remaining a councillor and carrying on the good works for which he had previously been known."