City of London Considers Banning Councillor from Events After WhatsApp Scandal Implication
The City of London Corporation is poised to make a critical decision regarding whether to ban individuals, including a sitting councillor, from future events following their involvement in a WhatsApp group scandal that has rocked the Guild of Young Freemen. The scandal, which came to light late last year, involved the alleged sharing of misogynistic, racist, and ableist content within two private groups named Kitties That Scratch and CLC Plotters Anonymous.
Councillor Implicated in Controversial Correspondence
Common Councillor Dr Fraser Peck, who represents Farringdon Within and served as Middle Warden at the Guild of Young Freemen, has been identified in a report to the City of London Corporation as being implicated in the scandal. Dr Peck resigned from the Guild shortly after the allegations surfaced, though the precise nature of his involvement remains unconfirmed. The Guild, an organization founded in 1976 to engage young professionals with the City's civic traditions, has already excluded all involved individuals from its activities and revoked their memberships.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation stated that the matter is under review, with a decision expected in due course on whether to mirror the Guild's actions by banning these individuals from Corporation-hosted events. The Corporation emphasized that the Guild is independent, receiving no funding or oversight from the local authority, despite historical connections such as former Lord Mayor Alderman Alastair King serving as an Honorary President.
Internal Investigations and Private Discussions
The Guild of Young Freemen conducted an independent inquiry into the allegations, which concluded in January. The inquiry found that several individuals had breached the Guild's Code of Conduct, leading to their immediate removal. Michael Polak, the new Master of the GYF, issued a public apology in February, expressing regret to those affected by the unacceptable conduct.
Meanwhile, the City of London Corporation has discussed the issue in private sessions, including a presentation to the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen on March 17. Alderwoman Martha Grekos challenged the decision to keep these discussions private, arguing that it is disingenuous for the Corporation to claim independence from the Guild due to shared premises and connections. She highlighted concerns about transparency and public perception, urging for change to align with modern standards.
Code of Conduct and Public Accountability
The Corporation's Code of Conduct applies only when members act in their official capacity, and no formal complaint has been submitted regarding Councillor Peck. However, the Corporation has received reports on the scandal, though it has not reviewed the original source material. Alderwoman Grekos criticized the lack of public statement from the Corporation, suggesting that its actions imply continued endorsement of the Guild.
In response, a spokesperson for the Guild reiterated the seriousness with which the allegations were handled, noting the swift commissioning of an independent inquiry. The City of London Corporation maintains that it had no role in the investigation and is carefully reviewing the limited information provided to determine appropriate next steps.
