It was alleged that the Member, in making particular remarks to the press, following a decision which the Council’s Standards Committee made about his professional conduct, failed to adhere to the Code of Conduct for members of Local Authorities. In particular, it was alleged that, while the Member was afforded political free speech, he failed to balance his right with the rights of others to be protected from unwarranted comments, which may damage their reputation and ability to carry out their duties without hindrance, and without consideration to the importance of not undermining public confidence in local democracy more widely.
We decided to discontinue our investigation, because it was no longer proportionate or in the public interest to investigate further, in the light of the subsequent recognition and remorse shown by the Member in related proceedings. The Member said he would not do the same again, in the same circumstances.