John Fenty to focus on GTFC after quitting council roles

John Fenty intends to focus on Grimsby Town – the football club he is “passionate” about – after stepping down from his leading roles at North East Lincolnshire Council.

Mr Fenty has resigned his Cabinet role after his links to convicted fraudster Alex May, who was given a six-year jail sentence for his part in a multi-million pound scam, were revealed, as previously reported.

Mr Fenty has confirmed that he set up a company with Alex May, but says the pair are no longer business partners.

Mr Fenty, GTFC majority shareholder, said: “My decision will allow me to focus more on my other business activities and the football club I’m passionate about.”

The Labour Party in Grimsby last night called for an independent investigation into Mr Fenty’s dealings with Alex May, citing concerns North East Lincolnshire Council was being brought into disrepute.

In a letter to the Conservative Leader of the Council Phillip Jackson, Councillor Matthew Patrick, Leader of the Labour Group, said he was concerned that “by entering into a business relationship” with Mr May, “Cllr Fenty is bringing our council into disrepute and leading others to question the integrity of its governance”.

In a full statement John Fenty said: “Following discussions with the Council Leader, I have decided to step down as Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Regeneration, Skills and Housing.

“After reflecting on recent media reports and the impact on both my party and the Council itself, I have taken the decision in the best interests of all concerned and to avoid an unwarranted distraction to the enormous progress being made in the borough.

“I’m proud to have played my part in that progress and the re-invigorated spirit the area now has in itself, a spirit I’m confident will continue to burn bright under a Conservative administration.”

Mr Fenty said: “I have been meticulous in declaring any conflicts of interests throughout my time as a councillor and can hold my head up high. However, I’m not prepared to let matters in my private business life become a drain on the Administration’s effort to make this borough a great place to live work and play.

“Therefore, it is with great regret and sadness that I feel that I must relinquish my roles as deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, a role it has been my greatest privilege to undertake on behalf of the Leader Philip Jackson.

“I will though, continue to serve the community as councillor for Humberston and New Waltham and in that role, I look forward to watching North East Lincolnshire continue to grow and prosper, as I know it will.”

Council Leader Philip Jackson said: “ We’ve made massive strides in the borough over the last 18 months or so and no-one should be in any doubt the contribution John has made to that in his role on Cabinet and as a councillor.

“Our collective goals have been to restore the pride in the area and see it grow again by attracting investment and John can look back with pride at how far we’ve come with those achievements and the huge part he’s played.”