Tensions ran high during a Penrith Town Council meeting held on Monday evening as Penrith West Councillor Thomson dramatically exited the meeting, decrying the council's democratic credentials. The incident unfolded during a debate concerning the future governance of the Penrith Lottery, proposed by recently co-opted Councillor Knaggs.
Councillor Thomson, who was elected to the town council in the local elections in May, vehemently opposed the motion, contending that it had been "proposed by someone who was not elected." He argued that there was no mandate for such a proposal and that no one at the table possessed the authority to engage with Penrith Lottery on behalf of the council. After it emerged Councillor Knaggs had held conversations with the chair of Penrith Lottery.
Other council members raised concerns about potential ramifications of the town council taking on the lottery, including promoting gambling and utilising limited council resources to explore the proposal and the lottery's management if the council were to take it over due to staffing resource issues in the council.
Councillor Thomson further questioned the proposal made by councillor Knaggs stating that the Penrith Lottery had its last reported draw six weeks ago despite claiming to hold weekly draws and that it lacked registration with the Information Commissioner's Office. He suggested that if the council assumed control of the lottery, it might expose itself to financial and GDPR breach liabilities.
It was also stated that if Penrith Town Council were to assume control of the Penrith Lottery, The council would be subject to different licencing rules and require a different license issued by the Gambling Commission, necessitating the employment of an individual with overall management control for the lottery by the council.
The town council members voted on the motion, with eight in favour, four against, and one abstention. Following the vote, Councillor Thomson expressed his frustration asking the councillors around the table, "What's the point in being an elected councillor around this table?" he then stood up saying “I am leaving the meeting, I am not prepared to be part of this undemocratic process this town council has adopted.” before dramatically storming out of the meeting, punctuating his exit by slamming his chair on the floor.
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