Sad, Mad or Bad

Kevan Konnor Collins, subject of this post (link) has decided that it is easier to remain in hiding by producing a sicknote to the Gazette reporter that knocked on the door. So we thought we would look at the facts again and ask some serious questions.

The MOD said "
THE Ministry of Defence says its initial checks with the Parachute Regiment have found no record of a Thanet councillor's disputed service with the unit.
A spokesman for the MoD said enquiries with the members of "airborne fraternity" had failed to identify Democratic Independent Group leader Councillor Konnor Collins as a veteran.
Cllr Collins has previously stated he served 19 years in the Parachute Regiment, rising to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major and receiving numerous commendations for gallantry.
The ministry was unable to officially confirm or deny Cllr Collins' claimed service without extensive checks with the Army Personnel Centre's disclosures department. However, the MoD did confirm enquiries with 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment, a unit which the councillor has been photographed wearing the badge of, had "drawn a blank""

Read the story here (link)

So did Collins use his alleged non-existent service to gain some sort of advantage at the TDC elections and is he still doing so. Take a look at what was published on Facebook.

Then once elected he carried on with this history. This collection of emails was sent by Collins during the training period when he was an independent councillor.

Values and Behaviour seems something sadly missing in his repertoire however some of the comments from pro manston supporters state he was led into faking his army career so we were wondering just who knew him well enough to manipulate him or is this just another red herring.

It also seems many believe that the silence from Collins is more to do with the potential harm to the Pro Manston cause because he is the founder of the only political group who have made it their only hobby to get Manston reopened. Personally I think the electorate deserve more from their councillors and others think the same.

 So we have a situation that doesn't go away despite being known about since October 2015 and must be getting worse for Collins's self-esteem and reputation but what is the same whether he is Sad, Mad or Bad is the letting down of the people who live in his ward and they deserve a councillor who will look after them.

I will ramble on here if more information comes forward because I am surprised the Leader of the Council is letting this situation get worse.
A statement from the Council Leader this morning:


"Chris Wells The MOD's statement to the Isle of Thanet Gazette that they can find no record of Konnor Collins ever having served with the Paras has confirmed wha...t many have suspected for some weeks. Konnor Collins is a con man. Even that understates the awful nature of what he has done. Konnor Collins, in lying about his military service, has stolen the virtue and bravery of those who have actually won the medals he falsely claims.

Collins was unmasked by his own bluster, using medals he has not earned on an application to the court for damages against three fellow members of the Council. He sent it for publication in the newspaper before the defendants knew of his accusations. And from that single act of reckless bravado, the extent of his lying and cheating has gradually been revealed.
Collins claims disability on the back of a non existent army career. He may be disabled, but he ain't no military veteran.
Partner of many years, Helen Smith, was elected alongside him, their appeal being based on these disgraceful lies. Named, shamed, and beneath contempt for any who have served in the armed forces, both should immediately resign as councillors, having clearly brought their elected office into disrepute.
Behind them stands close friend and PA, Dr R John Pritchard, who claims academic excellence, research and legal experience, and has known since before the election that Collins military record was not provable. Pritchard could have stopped Collins being elected; and as Vice Chair of Save Manston Airport, could have saved SMA the embarrassment of publicly backing conman Collins.
54 councillors do their best for the isle. Clearly these two, and their trusted PA, have been in it for all the wrong reasons. All three should slink away in their shame, and trouble us no more.
Chris Wells. Leader UKIP Group South Thanet. 07825203043
Press release, 28 January 2016