East Grinstead councillor resigns amid Scientology controversy: A connection?

[Was Councillor John Dabell fed up with Mayor Visser’s Scientology entanglement?]

For a few months now, we’ve been helping Alex Barnes-Ross document the chaos that seems to have gripped East Grinstead since that English town, which is where Scientology has its UK headquarters, reacted to questions raised by Alex and others about the cozy relationship between local elected officials and the church.

For Alex’s website Scientologybusiness.com, we wrote about some of the emails that were pried out of local officials about the interference one regional politician was running for Scientology, and we’ve talked to Alex about how the local town council has tried to scrub the record of pointed questions they were asked about their gladhanding of Scientology.

In particular, we’ve been interested in East Grinstead Mayor Frazer Visser, who has been so chummy with Scientology he was treated to an opportunity to meet with Tom Cruise at a film premiere last summer, and in November, was on stage at Scientology’s charity ball…

Mayor Visser has not only tried to scrub the record of pointed questions asked of him by members of the public at a subsequent town council meeting, but he’s called Alex a “bully” for bringing up the mayor’s penchant for showing up at Scientology events.

We’ve been hearing that behind the scenes, not everyone in local government is happy with the way the mayor has been handling things.

And yesterday, Alex revealed that the chaos appears to have come with some political cost. We sent Alex some questions about what’s going on.

Alex, news broke yesterday that an East Grinstead town Councillor had resigned. How did you hear about it?

A handful of sources close to the council gave me the heads up a couple of weeks ago that one of the Councillors was considering stepping down. Insiders confirmed on February 23 that John Dabell had tendered his resignation with East Grinstead Town Council announcing on February 26 there would be an emergency Council meeting on March 4 to officially declare the ‘casual vacancy’.

What can you tell us about John Dabell and his background on the council?

Dabell is a well respected politician who became a Councillor in 2014, after serving as a flyer in the Royal Navy. He is a devout Christian who also serves on Mid Sussex District Council and at West Sussex County Council. He previously served as East Grinstead Mayor and his shock resignation is not something to be taken likely and sends a clear message that things are awry in local government.

Did Dabell give a reason for leaving so abruptly?

He is yet to release a public statement, but I understand his official reason will be due to health concerns. However, sources close to the Council have told me the Council’s handling of the Scientology scandal, including labelling me a bully, was the catalyst behind his resignation. I hope he takes this opportunity to issue a statement that draws public attention to the severity of the current situation and offers hope to the victims of abuse at Saint Hill, who so far have been silenced and rejected by the Council.

So you do suspect that his leaving has something to do with the chaos that’s been engulfing the council recently regarding their cozy relationship with Scientology and your questions about it?

Absolutely. Dabell is a committed local politician and his resignation will send shockwaves through the community. This is his opportunity to stand up and give a voice to those who have been abused, raped and traumatised by their time at Saint Hill.

Did you learn that the council has taken another step to try and erase the questions that were raised about Scientology at a recent council meeting?

Yesterday the minutes from the Council Meeting on January 29 – during which four members of the public raised Scientology-related questions – were removed from the Council’s website. It is unclear why, or whether they will be reinstated, but the timing is suspicious considering it was this meeting specifically in which Danielle Chamberlin’s heartbreaking account of her abuse at Saint Hill was redacted.

How does a vacancy on the council get resolved?

My understanding is there is now a short window for residents to call a by-election. Only 12 signatures are needed, otherwise the Council will co-opt a replacement.

Does a vacancy on the council provide an opportunity for Scientology to gain even more influence over this government body?

I think this actually does the opposite: A new Councillor will be taking Dabell’s seat, meaning a new person who is a potential threat to Scientology’s influence over the Council. I wouldn’t be surprised if they subtly campaign behind the scenes to ensure a Scientology-friendly replacement is elected, but ultimately it’s down to the people of East Grinstead to elect their new representative.

L. Ron Hubbard’s 113th birthday is coming next week. What do you have planned for the occasion?

Just like the Sea Org, we come back! After a successful protest at the IAS event in November, I thought it’s time we hold a demonstration outside London Org. While Scientologists celebrate his birthday, we’re gathering to celebrate life without LRH. Scientology likes to paint a scary picture of the outside world as a control mechanism to prevent people from leaving. Our mission on March 13th is to show Scientologists it is possible to be happy, and to enjoy life on the outside. It’ll be a party – cake and hats encouraged!

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