Councillor Smith denied an allegation, stating his intention to clarify the situation following a police inquiry.
Smith asserted that Councillor Harrison made subtle threats against Councillor Deborah Taylor and himself during a meeting. He stated the meeting became heated and that Harrison "crossed that line." Smith apologized for his own language during the exchange, describing it as clumsy but not threatening.
Smith expressed disappointment that the matter was publicly disclosed, suggesting it was an effort to gain political advantage. He stated that Harrison waited almost six weeks to raise the issue, which Smith viewed as an attempt to publicly damage his reputation. Smith also commented that this approach wasted police time and distracted from council business.
Councillor Taylor stated that the allegation against Craig Smith was false from its inception.
Councillor Harrison declined further comment, citing an ongoing internal county council process related to the matter.