The Ormskirk Residents’ Group are a non-political association whose aim is to make the town and surrounding areas safer and a better place to live. Publicly the Ormskirk Labour Councillors supported the residents' group, yet privately in their emails they suggested the group be disbanded, or at least that key roles be filled by themselves or their friends. The Ormskirk Residents’ Group have reported their behaviour to the Council’s Standards Committee.
Edward McCarthy, Conservative Candidate for Knowsley Ward, said: “I am shocked by the actions of the Labour Councillors and in particular Cllr Dowling. Residents' groups and community organisations and play an important role in towns like Ormskirk, and people give up their valuable time because they care. It is inexcusable for the members to be treated with such contempt. I can’t see how the public can trust the ruling Labour group at all. They lack integrity. “
“I believe he should resign from his role as Councillor. Sadly because of these emails local groups will look at their membership and potentially cease to invite councillors to such meetings. This would be a shame, as such groups work best with full involvement from local residents, Edge Hill University and other interested parties. In the interest of transparency, local Councillors of all parties should be present to answer complaints and concerns, but not to take an executive role in the Group's business or structure.”
Thomas Burton, Conservative Candidate for Derby ward, said “I think that this has proved to the people of West Lancashire that Labour cannot be trusted. This only highlights that what Labour councillors say in public and what Labour councillors say privately are two different things therefore they are not putting local residents first. Whilst during this week we were organising a Community Tidy Up in Ormskirk showing we care about the appearance in Ormskirk."