Aide claims former Lord Mayor John Fareham said she had 'lesbian hair'

A FORMER city council officer says she was bullied by ex-Lord Mayor John Fareham who allegedly described her as having "lesbian hair".

Danish-born Inga Jorgensen also claims the politician regularly referred to her as "foreigner", "woman" and "wonk" instead of using her proper name.

Ms Jorgsensen worked as a support officer for the Conservative group led by Councillor Fareham for nearly four years until leaving her job in August last year.

In documents submitted as evidence to a standards committee hearing, she also claims he deliberately drank Bovril in her presence, even though he was aware that she hated the drink's smell.

3 Vertical Blinds for £149 including vat and fitting at Impact...

Impact Curtains & Blinds

View details

Print voucher

Modern 3.5" wide vanes, choice of plane and patterns, white, cream and colours.this offer includes free measuring and quotation.
Call us now on 01482 569990 to book an appointment.

Contact: 01482 569990

Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013

Ms Jorgensen's complaint that he breached the code of conduct for councillors is one of two being considered by a special three-man panel.

In an internal council grievance form submitted in August 2009, she said: "I have suffered unfair and inappropriate treatment by Councillor John Fareham for some considerable time.

"His unwillingness to call me by the name my parents gave me and persistence in calling me anything but my Christian name, even after I have asked him not to, makes me feel like a possession, devalues me as a human being."

She says he once called her a lesbian for refusing to make him a drink.

The other complaint by council participation officer Sarah Gibson involves comments allegedly made by the Bricknell ward councillor at an area housing board meeting.

In her evidence statement, she says she was "shocked and offended" at remarks he made about prostitutes, lesbians and Polish plumbers with "big hairy moustaches".

The hearing continues today.