The ALBOS Fact Check Service looked at a number of statements made in a leaflet delivered to households across Stone in the run-up to the 2023 elections.
The ALBOS Fact Check Service (ALBOS FCS) was launched during the 2021 elections, and you can read more about the service here, including its aims, how it works and the rating system. -> https://alittlebitofstone.com/albos-fact-check/ but in a nutshell:
[box type=”info” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””]ALBOS FCS is a non-partisan (not biased or affiliated with any particular political party) fact-checking service that aims to verify statements made by politicians and public figures for accuracy. It aims to adhere to the highest standards of impartiality and transparency and provide a five-point rating system for each fact check. The service is open to submissions from the public and strives to promote accountability and transparency in politics.[/box]
What facts are being checked?
We are fact-checking a paragraph within the leaflet relating to the involvement of the three members of the local Conservative team in the delivery of projects within the town. We’ve bolded the paragraph below and also included the front and back of the leaflet for full context.
We’re looking for your help. By taking a few minutes to complete our survey, you will be helping make sure we are fighting for the things that matter most to local people over the next few years.
We’re already making progress with £1.5m being invested into Westbridge Park (work starts this Spring), funding for the Crown Wharf Theatre secured, further support for our rural & visitor economy and unlocking Meaford Business Park which will create hundreds of jobs within the next couple of years.
But there’s still much to do. So fill in our survey, and together let’s make our area an even better place to live.
Your local Conservative team – Simon, Adrian & Steve”
For context – Simon, Adrian and Steve are all members of Stone Conservatives. Steve Walley is, and was at the time of the leaflet production, Chairman of Stone Conservatives and an elected Stone Town Councillor for the Stonefield and Christchurch Ward. Simon and Adrian have previously stood as candidates in local elections in Stone and are also candidates in the 2023 elections. None of the three are elected representatives for Stafford Borough Council.
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Background
The Fact Check was sent out for response on March 8th 2023; the timing of its publication has been determined by when we received responses.
Before we began the fact check, we enquired whether the leaflet was genuine and created by James Nixon on behalf of Stone Town Conservatives, as indicated in the footer – James Nixon confirmed that it was.
Throughout the fact check, none of the respondents disputed the interpretation or implication of the claims we are fact-checking from the leaflet.
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Fact Check #1
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]We’re already making progress with £1.5m being invested into Westbridge Park (work starts this Spring)[/box]
8th March 2023 -The question we initially asked James Nixon and Steven Walley was:
Please can you confirm the input “Simon, Adrian & Steve” have put into the following mentioned in the leaflet – The £1.5m Westbridge Park development
The initial response from James was that the three had met with and spoken to a number of Conservative cabinet members – for which he provided details of those people.
21st March 2023 – Steve followed up with some further details from his perspective:
“Throughout this project, we have extended our support and participation, conducting surveys on Westbridge Park, sharing the results with various members of the Borough council, and running promotional videos to raise awareness and encourage residents to share their views on the project.”
Both responses from James and Steve highlighted how the Borough Council was investing in Stone; this isn’t something that our fact check is looking into on this fact check.
With no further details of active engagement in progressing the project, we researched the Stone Town Conservatives, now Stone Conservatives Facebook feed. The most recent post we could find around Westbridge Park surveys/feedback was September 2021 when a post was made about the Borough Council agreeing on the funding for leisure in Stone. This post was the sharing of a press release from Stafford Borough Council that had appeared on the council’s website and been sent out to the media teams, including A Little Bit of Stone.
Searching further back in December 2020 there is a post about delivering a hamper to a survey respondent for leisure facilities in the town, for which is referenced there were 400 responses to a general survey about leisure facilities in the town.
24th March – Stafford Borough Council press team declined to comment on the fact check in light of the impending election.
24th March – We followed up with the five elected Stone representatives for Stafford Borough Council:
My question to each of you is, have any of the 3 candidates liaised with you directly as Borough Councillors:1) On the initial plans, consultation and ongoing project around the Westbridge Park re-development?
The respondents reported no engagement from the three leaflet signatories in relation to the delivery of the Westbridge Park Project, highlighting that there are working groups within Stafford Borough Council for Westbridge Park; however, these are confidential to those within the group.
April 3rd – Finally, we reached out to the Conservative cabinet members indicated by James in his response. Leader of the Council, Patrick Farrington, asked that due to Purdah that we don’t contact the other cabinet members further and he would respond. For clarity: Purdah doesn’t preclude the press from talking to local councillors/cabinet members or impede their ability to answer questions, but we respected the wish not to chase up the other cabinet members for a response.
April 12th – The response we received from Cllr Farrington was a high-level response about investment in Stone from the Borough Council – which again isn’t in dispute.
“We work collaboratively as a team with our communities across the Borough and include our colleagues from the Stone Conservatives in that collaboration and engagement…”
[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]Stone Conservatives encompass the three individuals listed in the leaflet, but also broader Conservative representation from nearby towns and villages, some of whom are elected onto Stafford Borough Council actively and engaged on the projects specified.[/box]
April 12th – We responded to Cllr Farrington, asking for specific reference to the three listed and gave a deadline of the 13th of April as we wanted to conclude the fact check as soon as possible. No response was received as of publication.
Conclusion: MOSTLY FALSE
Having considered the statement and the validated facts presented by the respondents, we have assessed, this claim is MOSTLY FALSE – The claim contains an element of truth but leaves out facts leading to a different impression.
Whilst there has been visible engagement around the Westbridge Park project, the most recent supplied or verifiable activity was in December 2020. No further information has been supplied that supports that the three are actively progressing with the delivery of this project, which is being delivered by officers and councillors within the borough council.
[box type=”info” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””]Respondents’ Remarks: Steve, Simon and Adrian were sent the draft results of these findings on the 19th of April 2023 to make any comments or corrections before publication. As of the publication date, 13 days later, the respondents haven’t provided any feedback on the contents of the report. Should a response be provided, we will consider it in line with our fact-checking guidelines. [/box]
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Fact Check #2
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]Were the three individuals involved in progressing or securing the funding for the crown wharf theatre[/box]
8th March 2023 -The question we initially asked James Nixon and Steven Walley was:
Please can you confirm the input “Simon, Adrian & Steve” have put into the following mentioned in the leaflet – Securing funding for the Crown Wharf Theatre
The initial response from James was that the three had met with and spoken to a number of Conservative cabinet members – for which he provided details of those people.
21st March 2023 – Steve followed up with some further details from his perspective:
“As an association, we have organized several events at the Crown Wharf, which is located adjacent to the theatre and is a crucial component of its long-term success. We have more upcoming events planned, which we believe will help drive more footfall to the area and generate future revenue for the theatre. In addition, we have lobbied Stafford Borough Council to support applications for levelling up funds.”
Both responses from James and Steve highlighted how the Borough Council was investing in Stone; this isn’t something that our fact check is looking into on this fact check.
With no specific engagement provided for verification, we once again checked the Facebook page for the party. We found no reference to work on securing the funding from the three mentioned, and the only reference on the Facebook page was the announcement from Stafford Borough Council, which was about the money being awarded from the UK Prosperity Fund.
24th March – Stafford Borough Council press team declined to comment on the fact check in light of the impending election.
24th March – We followed up with the five elected Stone representatives for Stafford Borough Council:
My question to each of you is, have any of the 3 candidates liaised with you directly as Borough Councillors:2) On lobbying for or securing the money for the Crown Wharf Theatre?
The respondents reported no engagement from the three leaflet signatories in relation to being involved in securing the funding for Stone’s Crown Wharf Theatre Charity.
April 3rd – Finally, we reached out to the Conservative cabinet members indicated by James in his response. Leader of the Council, Patrick Farrington, asked that due to Purdah that we don’t contact the other cabinet members further and he would respond. For clarity: Purdah doesn’t preclude the press from talking to local councillors/cabinet members or impede their ability to answer questions, but we respected the wish not to chase up the other cabinet members for a response.
April 12th – The response we received from Cllr Farrington was a high-level response about investment in Stone from the Borough Council – which again isn’t in dispute.
“We work collaboratively as a team with our communities across the Borough and include our colleagues from the Stone Conservatives in that collaboration and engagement…”
[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]Stone Conservatives encompass the three individuals listed in the leaflet, but also broader Conservative representation from nearby towns and villages, some of whom are elected onto Stafford Borough Council actively and engaged on the projects specified.[/box]
April 12th – We responded to Cllr Farrington, asking for specific reference to the three listed and gave a deadline of the 13th of April as we wanted to conclude the fact check as soon as possible. No response was received as of publication.
Conclusion: FALSE
Having considered the statement and the validated facts presented by the respondents, we have assessed, this claim is FALSE – There is no conclusive evidence to support the claim made.
There has been no evidence provided by any of the respondents in support of this claim.
Funding from the UK’s Prosperity Fund has been secured via Stafford Borough Council, this will benefit Stone greatly, especially Crown Wharf Theatre and the Scouts HQ.
[box type=”info” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””]Respondents’ Remarks: Steve, Simon and Adrian were sent the draft results of these findings on the 19th of April 2023 to make any comments or corrections before publication. As of the publication date, 13 days later, the respondents haven’t provided any feedback on the contents of the report. Should a response be provided, we will consider it in line with our fact-checking guidelines. [/box]
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Fact Check #3
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””] How did the three individuals progress with unlocking Meaford Business Park, which will translate to creating hundreds of jobs in the next couple of years?
[/box]
8th March 2023 -The question we initially asked James Nixon and Steven Walley was:
Please can you confirm the input “Simon, Adrian & Steve” have put into the following mentioned in the leaflet – Unlocking Meaford Business Park and how this will translate to creating hundreds of jobs in the next couple of years.
The initial response from James was that the three had met with and spoken to a number of Conservative cabinet members – for which he provided details of those people.
21st March 2023 – Steve followed up with some further details from his perspective:
“A particular area of interest for us was the Meaford business park, where we have held multiple site visits with Borough councillors to provide the Stone perspective on employment opportunities in the town and to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of the business park on the canal towpath.”
Both responses from James and Steve highlighted how the Borough Council was investing in Stone; this isn’t something that our fact check is looking into on this fact check.
24th March – Stafford Borough Council press team declined to comment on the fact check in light of the impending election.
24th March – We followed up with the five elected Stone representatives for Stafford Borough Council:
My question to each of you is, have any of the 3 candidates liaised with you directly as Borough Councillors:3) Representing Stone when it comes to Meaford Business Park, mitigating the issues of the park as well as the prospect of job opportunities for the town?
The respondents reported no engagement from the three leaflet signatories in relation to being involved in discussions around Meaford Business Park.
April 3rd – Finally, we reached out to the Conservative cabinet members indicated by James in his response. Leader of the Council, Patrick Farrington, asked that due to Purdah that we don’t contact the other cabinet members further and he would respond. For clarity: Purdah doesn’t preclude the press from talking to local councillors/cabinet members or impede their ability to answer questions, but we respected the wish not to chase up the other cabinet members for a response.
April 12th – The response we received from Cllr Farrington was a high-level response about investment in Stone from the Borough Council – which again isn’t in dispute.
“We work collaboratively as a team with our communities across the Borough and include our colleagues from the Stone Conservatives in that collaboration and engagement…”
[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]Stone Conservatives encompass the three individuals listed in the leaflet, but also broader Conservative representation from nearby towns and villages, some of whom are elected onto Stafford Borough Council actively and engaged on the projects specified.[/box]
April 12th – We responded to Cllr Farrington, asking for specific reference to the three listed and gave a deadline of the 13th of April as we wanted to conclude the fact check as soon as possible. No response was received as of publication.
Conclusion: FALSE
Having considered the statement and the validated facts presented by the respondents, we have assessed, this claim is FALSE – There is no conclusive evidence to support the claim made.
Whilst meetings may have taken place, no evidence has been provided to explain how these meetings and engagements are unlocking Meaford Business Park and how this will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs in the next couple of years.
There are currently submitted planning applications with Stafford Borough Council for the development of warehouse units on the business park; however, none of the three mentioned are part of the planning committee at Stafford Borough Council. Meaford falls under the Stone Rural Parish Council, not Stone Town Council, so there’s no direct consultation through the town council.
[box type=”info” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””]Respondents’ Remarks: Steve, Simon and Adrian were sent the draft results of these findings on the 19th of April 2023 to make any comments or corrections before publication. As of the publication date, 13 days later, the respondents haven’t provided any feedback on the contents of the report. Should a response be provided, we will consider it in line with our fact-checking guidelines. [/box]
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Who requested the fact check?
The fact check was requested by a member of the public, having received the leaflet through their door in late February / early March.
The requester wishes to remain anonymous, but we can confirm that they aren’t involved in local politics.
Who created the leaflet?
The leaflet has been produced by James Nixon (Conservative Stafford Borough Councillor for Swynnerton and Oulton) on behalf of Stone Conservatives.
Who did we contact to validate the claims made in the leaflet?
| Name | Position | Reason for Contact |
|---|---|---|
| James Nixon | Leaflet Producer | Source of the leaflet |
| Steve Walley | Chairman of Stone Conservatives, a signatory on the leaflet and elected Stone Town Councillor for Stonefield and Christchurch. | Source of the leaflet |
| Will Conaghan | Stafford Borough Council Press and Communications Manager | Official press team for Stafford Borough Council |
| Ian Fordham | Stafford Borough Councillor for Stone – St Michael’s and Stonefield Ward | Elected councillors for Stone |
| Rob Kenney | Stafford Borough Councillor for Stone – St Michael’s and Stonefield Ward | Elected councillors for Stone |
| Philip Leason | Stafford Borough Councillor for Stone – St Michael’s and Stonefield Ward | Elected councillors for Stone |
| Mark Green | Stafford Borough Councillor for Stone – Walton Ward | Elected councillors for Stone |
| Jill Hood | Stafford Borough Councillor for Stone – Walton Ward | Elected councillors for Stone |
| Frances Beatty | Stafford Borough Councillor for Milwich and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning Portfolio | Identified by James Nixon as someone who could confirm input |
| Carolyn Trowbridge | Stafford Borough Councillor for Rowley and Cabinet Member for Leisure Portfolio | Identified by James Nixon as someone who could confirm input |
| Mark Winnington | Stafford Borough Councillor for Rowley and Cabinet Member for Environment Portfolio | Identified by James Nixon as someone who could confirm input |
| Patrick Farrington | Stafford Borough Councillor for Rowley and Cabinet Member for Leader of the Council | Identified by James Nixon as someone who could confirm input |
Councillor Mike Smith was also identified by James Nixon, however, we missed his name when sending out our follow-ups so he wasn’t directly looped in to reply. He was, though, copied into the email chain by Patrick Farrington so is aware of the fact check.
3 comments
annonymous
Very interesting reading. Well done to your investigators.
Mark Stewart
This really is a magnificent piece of work; and reminds us why responsible journalism is so important, and reinforces the role it can fulfil, even at a very local level. Well done to ALBOS !
It is not important that this is an analysis of a Conservative leaflet; ALL parties should have more honesty than to publish false or misleading statements, and it is wonderful that ALBOS has put resources and time into investigative journalism like this.
Let’s hope that all local politicians, and organisations, now stop with the falsities. Just because these are ‘local, parochial’ matters doesn’t mean the Truth can be sidelined – or that local people should have to put up with untruths.
Congratulations, ALBOS
T Anderson
The new individuals need to be reported to the police for making fraudulent claims .To lead to deceiving the public to be paid from public funds.