Gary Bolister’s sacking over honest error looks like political victimisation, says GMB London
GMB has withdrawn funding for the Labour party in London after a grieving caretaker was sacked after 24 years’ service.
The union – one of the labour party’s biggest donors – turned off the taps following the ‘callous’ dismissal Gary Bolister.
Gary is utterly devastated by his sacking – working for Islington council, where he was born and raised, was his passion and his vocation. His callous sacking over an honest error is beginning to look like political victimisation.
Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary
The 43-year old was given his marching orders by Labour-run Islington council for his part in a Facebook live video against Islington road closures in November last year.
In the clip - which Mr Bolister appeared in but did not film – an Islington Councillor was inadvertently filmed in her home by accident. The video was immediately stopped and Mr Bolister offered to apologise.
Hundreds of people have signed a petition against the popular caretaker’s sacking, with dozens gathering to protest outside Islington Town Hall.
Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary, said:
“Gary is utterly devastated by his sacking – working for Islington council, where he was born and raised, was his passion and his vocation.
“His callous sacking over an honest error is beginning to look like political victimisation.
“GMB will always back our members and if Islington Labour refuse to listen to reason we will hit them where it hurts – in the party coffers.
“It’s a shame that other Labour candidates have to suffer the consequences of Islington council’s actions, but that’s the way it is until this matter is resolved.”
