THE deputy mayor of Truro has been banned from the city’s cathedral and its grounds due to safeguarding concerns.

The decision comes from the Diocese of Truro to bar Independent councillor Sam Rabey on the day the city council will elect the next mayor.

A Diocese “safeguarding briefing” was shared among all cathedral staff and volunteers, and was then leaked to the press by a concerned member of the public.

It states: “Following information received from statutory agencies, Sam Rabey and the town council (town clerk) have been informed that he is not permitted to attend the cathedral or its grounds (including the building, steps and green area – it does not include the public right of way through the green). Mr Rabey is not permitted to attend the cathedral in any official capacity or to worship.”

The note states the only exception to that was polling day on May 1 and the subsequent count the following day. Cllr Rabey was one of seven candidates who stood for election as the councillor for the Moresk and Trehaverne division at Cornwall Council. He came last with eight per cent of the vote, losing to the Liberal Democrats’ Steven Webb, a former mayor of Truro.

“Mr Rabey has been informed that should he wish to attend the cathedral or St Mary’s for the purpose of worship, a safety plan will need to be agreed and implemented prior to him attending,” adds the briefing.

It states that if Cllr Rabey does attend the cathedral he should be asked to leave immediately by a responsible person and/or a member of the clergy.

The statement concludes: “If there is any disruption, please call for assistance per the ASB (antisocial behaviour) procedure. If anyone causes you any concern or poses any threat of immediate harm to any individual, please report immediately to the police using 999.”

The safeguarding briefing given to staff and volunteers was “being shared under safeguarding with the intention of managing and reducing risk of harm“. The Diocese of Truro is due to make an official comment.

At a city council meeting tonight (Monday, May 12), the new council will elect its next mayor. The 24 councillors can elect any member who puts themselves forward and is seconded. It’s not automatic that the deputy mayor steps up to the role.

If Cllr Rabey is elected as the next mayor of Truro he will not be allowed to attend the mayor-making ceremony or any other civic events in the cathedral. Cllr Rabey – who represents the Moresek and Trehaverne ward on the city council – was asked for his reaction to the Diocese safeguarding briefing. He said: “It’s not appropriate for anyone to make comment at this time.”

David Rodda, Truro City Council’s clerk, said: “Our position is that he’s eligible to stand as a councillor, that the council will elect its mayor on Monday, May 12 and we are aware of the cathedral’s position, and will act accordingly depending on the outcome of the election of mayor. They’ve taken a position based on information they have and we’ll have to act accordingly.

“Our safeguarding policy’s in place, which states that the mayor, deputy mayor and senior officers will be DBS checked. We take safeguarding seriously and will act in accordance with our policy.”

A spokesperson from the Diocese added: “Our approach is to always put the needs of victims and survivors at the forefront of the decision-making process. We do this in consultation with statutory agencies.

“We are unable to comment further.

“If you have a safeguarding concern, you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team at trurodiocese.org.uk/resources/safeguarding/report-concern

“If there is an imminent risk of significant harm, please also immediately refer to Social Care (01208 251300), MARU (0300 1231 116) or Police (999).

“Support is available via First Light www.firstlight.org.uk You can also find more information about other support available here: trurodiocese.org.uk/resources/safeguarding/support-agencies”