MILTON KEYNES LIBERAL DEMOCRATS COUNCIL GROUP

Contact: Douglas McCall, Group Leader 07540 813756

Vanessa McPake, Press Officer 07815 986938, 01908 373418
Embargo: Immediate, Friday, 29 August 2014

PRESS RELEASE

Liberal Democrat Resignations

In light of recent events and new draft regulations regarding the way licensing applications
are now processed and how spent sentences are taken into account, two Liberal
Democrat members have taken the honourable decision to resign from their current posts
said Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr Douglas McCall.

Cllr. Stuart Burke, Chair of Licensing & Regulation

It is with regret that I have decided to resign as Chair of Licensing and Regulation. It is
clear that on reflection I made an error of judgement in taking the decision to grant a taxi
license in this particular case. I am pleased that there are now much clearer draft rules on
how to deal with applicants that have paid the price for their crime.

I have enjoyed my last four years as Chair of Licensing & Regulation; I would like to thank
my fellow committee members and all the council officers who have helped me while I
have been Chair. I will continue to work hard for the residents of my ward ended Cllr.
Burke.

Cllr. Subhan Shafiq, Mayor of Milton Keynes

It is with deep sorrow that I feel that I have no alternative but to resign as Mayor of Milton
Keynes as I have lost the confidence of many councillors. Sadly I gave a reference to
someone, three and a half years ago, regarding the few years I have known them in Milton
Keynes, with hindsight I should not have. Now I am Mayor it is best that I resign as the
office of Mayor must be above criticism.

It has been a great honour for me to have been elected Mayor and it is with regret that I
have had to resign. I hope that I have served the residents of Milton Keynes well during
my short period as Mayor. My wife and I have been so proud to represent this great city of
Milton Keynes.

I will obviously continue my work as a ward councillor and represent my residents to the
best of my ability said Cllr. Shafiq.

ENDS

Note to Editors: Neither Cllrs Burke or Shafiq will be making any further statements to the
press.