The Ombudsman received a complaint that a Member (“the Member”) of Llanedi Community Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct (“the Code”).
It was alleged that the Member breached the Code, in displaying bullying and intimidating behaviour about the Complainant’s Welsh language ability, over a series of incidents.
The Ombudsman determined that investigation was appropriate and that the following paragraphs of the Code should be considered:
- 4(b) – You must show respect and consideration for others.
- 4(c) – You must not use bullying behaviour or harass any person.
- 6(1)(a) – You must not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or authority into disrepute.
Information was obtained from the Council, including minutes of relevant meetings. Witnesses, including the Complainant were interviewed. The Member was also interviewed.
The evidence suggested that the Member expressed himself robustly, particularly about the Council’s ability to operate in Welsh and for the future of the Welsh language. However, evidence that his conduct was personally directed towards the Complainant was limited.
The Ombudsman found that the Member’s behaviour was suggestive of a breach of paragraphs 4(b) and 6(1)(a) of the Code, as witnesses had expressed concern about the Member’s inappropriate manner during one of the incidents. The evidence also suggested that the Member gave a poor impression of the Council during this incident.
The Member accepted that his actions were unwise and has considered how his language impacts on others. On balance, given the Member’s reflection and the fact that, in view of this, it is unlikely that the Standards Committee would impose a sanction if it found a breach of the Code, the Ombudsman’s decision was that no action needed to be taken in respect of the matters investigated.