Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool Labour Councillor Colette Goulding has been suspended by the party and had the whip removed amid an ongoing investigation into her involvement with the Big Help Group.
- The Big Help Group is a parent company containing several organizations, including the Big Help Project, an anti-poverty charity under investigation by the Charity Commission.
- Cllr Goulding was previously a trustee and assistant CEO at the Big Help Project and has been urged to resign as a councillor after being declared bankrupt.
- The Charity Commission has raised concerns about trustee decision-making, potential unauthorized trustee benefit, and unmanaged conflicts of interest within the Big Help Project.
- The Labour Party has suspended Cllr Goulding, but she will continue to sit as a Labour member while the investigation is ongoing.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Liverpool Labour Party has taken the decision to suspend Councillor Colette Goulding and remove the whip amid an ongoing investigation into her involvement with the Big Help Group, a parent company containing several organizations, including the Big Help Project, an anti-poverty charity. This decision comes after a series of reports by The Liverpool Post, which have raised concerns about the charity’s activities and governance. Cllr Goulding, who was elected to Liverpool City Council in 2023 to represent the West Derby Muirhead ward, has had her membership of the Labour Party suspended, but she will continue to sit as a Labour member while the investigation is ongoing.
The Big Help Group and Charity Commission Investigation
The Big Help Group is a parent company containing several organizations, including the Big Help Project, an anti-poverty charity that has been the subject of an investigation by the Charity Commission since December 2023. The Charity Commission launched a statutory inquiry into the Big Help Project after identifying a significant increase in its reported income and concerns around trustee decision-making, potential unauthorized trustee benefit, and unmanaged conflicts of interest. The Big Help Project has stated that it is cooperating fully with the Charity Commission and that its service delivery will not be affected by the investigation.
Councillor Goulding’s Involvement and Bankruptcy
Cllr Goulding was previously a trustee and assistant CEO at the Big Help Project, and her involvement with the charity has raised concerns about her fitness to serve as a councillor. In May, Cllr Goulding was declared bankrupt at Liverpool’s County Court, according to the government’s Individual Insolvency Register. This has led to calls for her resignation as a councillor, including from the city’s opposition leader, Cllr Cashman. Despite these concerns, Cllr Goulding has not commented publicly on the matter, and the ECHO has been unable to reach her for comment.
Consequences and Next Steps
The suspension of Cllr Goulding and the removal of the whip are significant consequences for the councillor, who will no longer be able to participate in Labour Party activities or represent the party in council meetings. The investigation into the Big Help Group and the Big Help Project is ongoing, and it is unclear what further consequences may arise from this investigation. The Charity Commission has the power to take regulatory action against the charity, including removing trustees or freezing its assets. The Labour Party will also need to consider whether to take further action against Cllr Goulding, including expelling her from the party or supporting her return to full membership.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The suspension of Cllr Goulding and the investigation into the Big Help Group and the Big Help Project have significant implications for the Labour Party, the charity sector, and the people of Liverpool. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in charity governance and the need for effective regulation to prevent abuse of power and mismanagement of charitable funds. As the investigation continues, it is essential that all parties involved cooperate fully and that the public is kept informed of any developments. Ultimately, the outcome of this investigation will have significant consequences for Cllr Goulding, the Big Help Group, and the Labour Party, and will serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in public life.