Sandie Morthen’s Cross-Examination: Union Rally Under Scrutiny
Ms Sandie Morthen, under her former affirmation, returned to the stand for cross-examination by Ms K Richardson SC, counsel for Mayor Ned Mannoun. The focus was on a union rally outside a Liverpool City Council meeting on 24 April 2024, where Ms Morthen had spoken to attendees using a megaphone. A photograph was presented, showing Ms Morthen at the rally alongside union member David Taylor, who was depicted wearing a visor described as a “silly hat” and holding a toy pig prominently in front of his chest.
Ms Richardson challenged Ms Morthen’s recollection of the event, questioning why she did not recall seeing Mr Taylor despite his proximity to her and his memorable appearance. Ms Morthen maintained that while she potentially could have seen him, she did not remember doing so at the rally itself, only recalling an encounter later in the foyer outside the council chambers. She acknowledged speaking at the rally’s start and end to ensure it remained peaceful and respectful but reiterated her lack of recollection of Mr Taylor’s presence during those moments.
The cross-examination intensified around the symbolism of the toy pig, with Ms Richardson suggesting that displaying such an item would be perceived as a deliberate gesture likely to upset Mayor Mannoun, given his Muslim faith and past expressions of discomfort with pig-related messaging, including the slogan “Put some pork on your fork” from a 2015 rally. Ms Morthen admitted knowing since 2015 that such imagery upset the mayor but clarified she was unaware at the time of the rally whether it was offensive to him, citing a later radio comment by the mayor about a pork dish as context for her uncertainty. She firmly denied seeing the pig display during the rally, despite Ms Richardson’s assertion that it was “obvious” she must have noticed it due to Mr Taylor’s proximity and distinctive get-up.
Allegations of Dishonesty and Union Protection
Ms Richardson pressed Ms Morthen on her credibility, suggesting she was lying to protect a union member. Ms Morthen rejected this accusation, stating she had no need to shield Mr Taylor as the matter had already been investigated and dealt with under the relevant award. She also admitted to lying during an independent investigation by a Mr Harvey but denied that her current testimony was untruthful or motivated by a desire to protect union members. Objections from Ms McDonald and interventions by the Commissioner noted the lack of evidence for lying in this instance, tempering the line of questioning.
Additionally, Ms Richardson raised a past custom fluoro vest worn by Ms Morthen at the council depot, which bore the word “THUG” in large font down the side, alongside the phrase “That Helpful Union Girl.” Ms Morthen confirmed this but noted the vest was no longer in use as it had broken, providing context to the acronym’s playful intent.
Broader Implications
The session underscored significant tensions between union activities and council leadership, particularly around culturally sensitive messaging at public demonstrations. Ms Morthen’s testimony highlighted the challenges of managing union member behavior during emotionally charged events like rallies, as well as the personal and professional repercussions of perceived slights against elected officials. The inquiry continues to probe deeper into the interpersonal dynamics and governance issues at Liverpool City Council, with this rally incident illustrating broader themes of conflict and accountability.
Ex Excecutive Assistant Liverpool City Council Ms Lauren Myers
Also testifying today was Lauren Myers, a former employee of Liverpool City Council, who provided a detailed account of her extensive tenure with the organisation .She outlined her career progression, starting as the executive assistant to Mayor Ned Mannoun during his first term (2015-2016), continuing in the same role under Mayor Wendy Waller (2016-2021), and again for Mannoun after his re-election in 2021 until September 2023. Myers then transitioned to the role of Business Support Lead to the Director of City Futures, Shayne Mallard, until her position was made redundant in late June 2025. She also briefly acted as executive assistant to CEO John Ajaka in April 2024, providing her with unique insights into high-level council operations and interpersonal dynamics .
A significant focus of Myers’ evidence was the recruitment process for the CEO position in 2022, which resulted in John Ajaka’s appointment. She described how Mayor Mannoun expressed dissatisfaction with the initial shortlisted recruitment firms provided by the Corporate Services team, leading to a re-tendering process after Mannoun advocated for Blackadder and Associates due to their experience and network reach. Myers noted an incident where Mannoun prematurely contacted Stephen Blackadder to congratulate him before the formal paperwork was completed, raising concerns among the recruitment panel about procedural integrity. Her testimony highlighted the mayor’s direct involvement in operational matters typically outside his purview, revealing tensions in governance structures .
Myers also provided detailed evidence on a contentious meeting on 16 April 2024 in the CEO’s office involving Ajaka, Mannoun, Deputy Mayor Fiona Macnaught, and Farooq Portelli, which centred on budget issues and deficit reduction proposals. She recounted how Ajaka later admitted to her that he had used inappropriate language (“Shut the fuck up”) towards Mannoun during the meeting, expressing remorse for being goaded into the outburst. Myers observed the shocked expressions of Mannoun and Macnaught as they left the meeting, and subsequent communications, including a WhatsApp video shared by Mannoun mocking the incident, underscored the ongoing hostility. Her account, supported by text messages, painted a picture of deep interpersonal conflict at the executive level, impacting council operations .
Additionally, Myers testified about her personal concerns regarding job security amid potential restructuring, particularly affecting the City Futures directorate under Shayne Mallard. In text exchanges and conversations with Mannoun, including a notable discussion in a lift on 16 April 2024, she pressed him on plans for City Futures, expressing worry about losing her job. Mannoun appeared non-committal, suggesting he might adjust the budget differently to avoid immediate director cuts but would still weigh his options. This evidence, coupled with her observations of circulating discussions within the council about targeting specific directors, highlighted the pervasive uncertainty and stress among staff during this period of organisational change .
For Liverpool residents and ratepayers, Myers’ testimony raises critical concerns about leadership conflicts, budget management, governance irregularities, and staff morale. The interpersonal clash between Mannoun and Ajaka, alongside financial deficits and potential job cuts, could affect service delivery and trust in local government. Moreover, the mayor’s involvement in operational decisions like CEO recruitment may prompt questions about transparency and fairness. These issues collectively suggest internal instability that could impact the quality of community services and the effective use of ratepayers’ funds, likely urging residents to seek greater accountability from council leaders.
Ms Myers continues giving her testimony tomorrow.
Other Media Articles
Daily Telegraph “Mayor Ned Mannoun’s former assistant Lauren Myers gives evidence“
