A Lisburn councillor will step back into the chamber at Lagan Valley Island as his suspension for an altercation with his CEO ends.
Gary Hynds was suspended by the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards in October following a report that stated the councillor accepted his behaviour was considered “intimidatory” towards chief executive David Burns.
The incident in question took place behind closed doors on June 25, 2024, at Lisburn and Castlereagh CIty Council with the one month suspension beginning in early November.
Speaking as his suspension ends, Independent Cllr Hynds said: “The support I’ve had from people across Lisburn this past month has been overwhelming and truly humbling. It’s shown how much local residents value having one councillor who is completely independent and who will always put them first.
“I’m the only Independent councillor on the entire council and I know that not everyone welcomes that independence or the strong personal public backing I have, but I’m grateful that local people have made their view so clear.”
Details of the altercation were revealed by the commissioner in which it was said Cllr Hynds rose from his seat, walked behind the table where the CEO was seated and made comments which caused him alarm and/or distress. Cllr Hynds also caused the chief executive’s chair to spin around during the encounter, the commissioner found.
The chief executive stood up in response to the remarks and there was a verbal exchange between the two individuals. Cllr Hynds then left the chamber.
A council spokesperson previously said: “The matter is now closed and we will be making no further comment in relation to this issue.”
Cllr Hynds’ suspension officially ended at 11.59pm on Friday, December 5 with the Lisburn North representative due to return to the chamber at the next scheduled meeting on December 10.
Cllr Hynds added: “I’ve had a month away, I’ve seen the incredible goodwill that’s out there, and I particularly want to thank my family and close friends.
“I never wanted them to have to go through what they did, but they’ve given me their full support to come back and keep fighting for the community I love.
“I’m refreshed and more determined than ever to deliver results and to keep pressing for the transparency, openness and accountability Lisburn deserves.
“I will continue asking the tough questions and highlighting important issues that I believe ratepayers have every right to know about. To everyone who called, sent messages or stopped me in the street, I really do want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“I am so proud to represent the place where I was born, bred and still live, and the support I’ve received has strengthened my resolve to keep being the independent voice the people in Lisburn clearly want in that council chamber.”
