Huntingdon Town Council drag show posts meeting cancelled

In since deleted comments on Facebook, independent councillor Steve McAdam accused the Commemoration Hall, in Huntingdon, of "diving to the bottom of the barrel". 

Mr McAdam, a former mayor, said he has "no problem with men dressing up as women," but is "publicly contemptuous of people spreading filth and obscenities."

He has since "profoundly apologised" for his comments.

Cllr Steve McAdam posted the comments on the Commemoration Hall's Facebook page. (Image: Facebook) Huntingdon Town Council announced on Saturday it had called an extraordinary meeting on July 24, to "note and agree sanctions" concerning the posts. 

It later announced the meeting had been postponed until July 31 before confirming on Wednesday (July 23) that it had been cancelled entirely. 

In a statement, a spokesperson said the meeting had been called by the town clerk to "consider alleged code of conduct issues." 

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They added: "Under legislation, only the mayor or two councillors can call such a meeting. The meeting was therefore cancelled as it was not lawfully convened.

"No decision has been made to ask either Cllr Audrey McAdam or Cllr Steve McAdam to resign.

"Alleged breaches of the code of conduct are a matter for the Monitoring Officer at Huntingdonshire District Council."

Mr McAdam has profoundly apologised for the posts. (Image: HTC) The Hunts Post pressed the town council on why the clerk had called the meeting if this was contrary to legislation. 

It declined to comment further. 

A since withdrawn meeting agenda said Mr McAdam had been invited to "take the honourable course of action" and "resign as a town councillor and mayor's consort". 

It also stated that it was "suggested" the mayor "resign her office immediately" and "seriously consider" resigning as a town councillor, following an alleged outburst at BID 

Members were also set to discuss Cllr Audrey McAdam's and an alleged "verbal outburst" to BID employees. 

Huntingdonshire District Council confirmed it has "been contacted regarding this matter" and is investigating the comments.

A spokesperson added: "It will be considered by the monitoring officer in line with the council’s protocols and procedures."

Members were set to discuss the mayor's alleged verbal outburst to BID employees. (Image: HTC) A source at the Commemoration Hall, which is hosting the drag show, said Mr McAdam's comments were "highly contemptuous to something which is integral to LGBT culture."

They claimed "several" volunteers, trustees and patrons of the venue were left "appalled and disgusted" by the posts and expressed concern they "came from an elected official"

Mr McAdam firmly denied his remarks were "intended towards or aimed at the LGBTQ+ community amongst whom I have several friends and acquaintances."

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