Claim that South Ayrshire councillor made 'deal' to get role didn't breach rules
A South Ayrshire councillor who was accused of suggesting that a colleague had accepted a bribe to secure a coveted council position did not breach the councillors' code of conduct.
Labour councillor Philip Saxton was ousted as chair of the Service and Partnerships Performance Panel in December 2024, with the Conservative-led administration voting to replace him with Alba councillor Chris Cullen.
Councillor Saxton commented at the meeting of the council that 'I would, however, advise Cllr Cullen the deal you have reached to get the position comes at a price.'
Since then Councillor Cullen has been promoted to the cabinet while Councillor Saxton has returned to his role as chair.
Cllr Cullen complained to the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC) in March this year, alleging the remark implied he had accepted a bribe or engaged in other unethical behaviour to secure the role.
Cllr Saxton denied the allegation, saying his words referred to a political arrangement rather than anything improper.
A Standards Commission report stated: 'The complaint concerned an allegation that, at a Council meeting in December 2024, the respondent was disrespectful towards the complainer (another elected member).
It stated that Councillor Cullen believed that Cllr Saxton had suggested he had accepted a bribe or had taken some other unethical or inappropriate action in order to obtain the position.
However, Cllr Saxton told the ESC that the 'deal' to which he had referred was one of a political nature, and that the reference to 'price' was to the political price of making such a deal.
The ESC backed his claim, saying it was supported by other comments he had made during the meeting.
The report said: 'He had concluded, therefore, that it was evident the respondent was simply referring to a political deal between the complainer and a political group.
'The ESC noted such a deal was legitimate and not unusual in politics. As such, any criticisms levelled by the respondent for accepting such a deal would not amount to disrespect under the code.'
The case was referred to the Standards Commission for Scotland in July, but after reviewing the findings, the Commission decided it was neither proportionate nor in the public interest to hold a hearing.
It agreed with the ESC that Cllr Saxton's conduct did not breach the Code and formally took no further action.
Cllr Cullen has maintained that Cllr Saxton's comments were 'unacceptable' and warned about the impact the ruling could have.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'I am deeply disappointed that the Standards Commission has chosen to take no further action in this matter.
'What we have here is a clear example of unacceptable behaviour in a public meeting – the kind of insinuations and character assassination that drive decent people away from politics altogether.
'When an elected representative can imply, in front of colleagues, the public, and the press, that another councillor has acted unethically or corruptly, without consequence, it sends a grim message about the standards we're willing to tolerate.
'Public life should be built on respect, integrity, and truth. If we allow underhand comments, veiled accusations, and personal smears to pass unchecked, we normalise a culture where winning political points matters more than honesty and decency.
'It's no wonder so many good people refuse to put themselves forward for public office when they see that this kind of conduct is swept aside as 'politics as usual'.
'If we want healthier debate, more diverse voices, and higher public trust, we have to draw a firm line against personal attacks and deliberate attempts to undermine colleagues' reputations.
'I will continue to speak out against such behaviour, because the public and our democracy deserve better.'
However, Cllr Saxton said that the matter should never have been brought to the commission.
He said: 'I think councillors should consider seriously before putting complaints to the Standards Commission about petty personal quotes from other members.
'It takes up precious time and costs.
'In this particular case I think Cllr Cullen complained in principle as he was not happy with the suggestion that a deal with the Conservative administration for a particular post with a good additional salary was free from any deal is naive in all senses of the word.'
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