Lord Mayor refused to go anywhere because her chains were 'disgusting'

Councillor Sonja Crisp also demanded the council put her up in the city centre while her official residence underwent restoration

The Lord Mayor of York refused to take part in any more ceremonial duties until her “disgusting” chains were sorted out, leaked emails have revealed.

The York Press saw emails from Labour Councillor Sonja Crisp, complaining that her decorative chains were “in a disgusting state” and that she needed written confirmation that they would be “re-gilded” before she would attend any more events.

Further emails exposed the Lord Mayor’s threat to not leave her official residence of Mansion House while it underwent planned restoration, unless the council found her other accommodation in the city centre.

The email to council officials said: “You either need to look for suitable alternative living accommodation for me for approx. 4-5 weeks or you will need to reschedule works and work around me…”

Her email concluded: “Just a gentle reminder that I am the Lord Mayor, the first citizen, the rightful resident of the Mansion House and I have rights too.”

Councillor Crisp also told the council they had caused her stress that resulted in her falling ill.

She explained how she had been ill twice, saying: “Those episodes, I believe, are in no small part due to the stress and extra worry and work that my treatment by the council is causing me.”

At the other end, emails sent by council officials referred to Councillor Crisp having “yet another outburst”.

In light of the leaked emails, Councillor Crisp told the York Press: “I am deeply concerned at any embarrassment to the Lord Mayoralty this may cause.

"My only intention throughout my time in office is to try and preserve the dignity and position of the office of Lord Mayor for the future of the City.

“I was very keen that the chains of office were re-gilded after more than one person reported to me that they were looking in very poor condition. The history of those chains needs to be preserved for future generations.”