Latest news with #Councillors'CodeofConduct
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Labour council leader breached code of conduct over financial connection to company director
EXCLUSIVE: The Inverclyde council leader has apologised for the "inadvertent breach" of the councillors' code of conduct. A watchdog has ruled that a Labour council leader breached ethics rules by suggesting a property director he knew could become chair of Greenock's town board. Stephen McCabe named Lord Willie Haughey as a potential independent Chair despite the peer being a director of a firm which rented a house to the councillor. But the Ethical Standards Commissioner said no breach had occurred on the sale of the property or over the rental arrangement. McCabe, who leads Inverclyde council, was the subject of complaints to the Commissioner. According to the Commissioner report, McCabe rents his property from a company of which Haughey, a major Labour donor, is a director. In February 2024, the report states that McCabe informally suggested Haughey as a candidate for the non-remunerated position of Chair of the Greenock Town Board. The Commissioner stated: 'The Respondent did not declare an interest to the Council officers when he made this suggestion. [McCabe] was not part of the decision making when selecting the candidate. Lord Haughey was selected as Chair of the Greenock Town Board.' The Commissioner summarised the first of two issues considered as: '[McCabe failed to declare an interest when he informally suggested that the Council consider Lord William Haughey as a potential independent Chair for the non-remunerated position as Chair of the Greenock Town's Board despite there being a financial connection in that Lord Haughey is the Director of a company which owns and lets the Respondent's property to him.' The Commissioner concluded that the councillor did breach the councillors' code of conduct on this matter. He summarised the second issue under investigation as: 'The Respondent sold his property at a price below market value in order to continue living there. As such, he pays no rent or rent which is lower than the market rent to his landlord. Any different may amount to a gift either on a one off or continuing basis which has not been declared.' The Commissioner said on this issue McCabe did not breach the Code. McCabe told the Record: 'When I became aware in December 2024 that I may have inadvertently breached the Councillors' Code of Conduct I immediately took the highly unusual step of referring myself to the Ethical Standards Commissioner, more than seven weeks before complaints were submitted by the other two complainers. "I co-operated fully with the investigation by the Ethical Standards Commissioner, including sharing very personal information about my marriage break-down and my son's mental health. "I accept the findings of the Commissioner's report and apologise for my inadvertent breach of the Code of Conduct. During 30 years' service as a Councillor, I have never before breached the Code of Conduct. I have received refresher training from the Council's Monitoring Officer on the Code and on managing personal connections. 'I note that the Ethical Standards Commissioner has submitted his report to the Standards Commission for Scotland, and I would hope that considering my self-referral, apology and the refresher training I have undertaken, the Commission will be satisfied that I made a genuine mistake. I am pleased that the Ethical Standards Commissioner has found that I did not breach the Code of Conduct in relation to the sale of my house.'
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Call for Msunduzi councillor to be suspended following gun incident in council chamber
The Msunduzi Municipality Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers A call has been made for an ANC councillor in the Msunduzi Municipality to be suspended after he allegedly walked into the council chamber during a meeting with a gun. The incident occurred at the City Hall last Wednesday. The DA and the EFF said there is a pressing need to evaluate and overhaul the security at City Hall. While the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) councillor described the act as criminal in terms of council procedures and shocking. The City Hall building houses, among other key offices, the chamber, the mayor's office and the municipal manager's office, and it used to accommodate the offices of some members of the executive committee. DA councillor Garth Middleton said the party was demanding the immediate suspension of the councillor in question and the urgent institution of disciplinary processes that must lead to his removal. 'During a full sitting of the Msunduzi Municipal Council, a deeply disturbing and dangerous incident unfolded before councillors, senior officials, and notably, the Speaker of Council herself. 'An ANC ward councillor was seen to be armed with a firearm inside the council chambers — a space designated for constructive governance, not intimidation or acts that border on militarisation.' 'This conduct is a flagrant violation of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, particularly Chapter 11.41.4, which expressly prohibits the carrying of weapons within council premises. When the matter was raised, as the ANC councillor exited the chamber, the Speaker merely remarked, 'It's been dealt with,' providing no clarity or assurance to the council or the public,' Middleton continued. He stated that this response was grossly inadequate and suggested a dangerous pattern of impunity. 'Council chambers are spaces for robust debate, often marked by passionate disagreements. Introducing weapons into this environment puts every councillor, staff member, and official at direct risk. Are we now to fear for our lives while serving our residents?' He added that this incident was even more serious, as people from the councillor's ward had been protesting outside the council meeting. ACDP's Rienus Niemand stated that they found the act to be intimidating. He said he was also taken aback by the attempt to suppress any action to deal with the matter. 'The Rules of Order are promulgated law and clearly prohibit such actions. The ACDP insisted that the matter be addressed by the relevant authorities. It is particularly concerning that while the councillor was violating the law in the council chamber, there was a protest meeting outside the chamber held by members of the same councillor's ward,' he stated. Niemand added that the ACDP condemns intimidation and illegal actions by elected office bearers and will ensure that the ANC and its misbehaving members are brought to book. EFF councillor Chuma Wakeni said they have called for an investigation into the matter. 'We want to know how it is possible for the councillor to go from the parking lot all the way to the council chamber with a gun. We want an investigation conducted into the security because the council chamber is a gun-free zone.' He added that what was also troubling was the reason the councillor had a gun: 'There was a protest against him, and he was being heckled by community members, so (apparently) he was carrying a gun to protect himself against the people he represents. We had to call on the Speaker to ensure that the councillor does not harm the residents.' The municipality had not responded to a request for comment by the time of publication. THE MERCURY
The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Councillor suspended for 'bullying' member of the public
The panel found that the Kilwinning councillor, who was first elected more than 20 years ago, was "disrespectful towards a member of the public" and that his conduct "amounted to bullying, even if that had not been his intent". A report published following a hearing at the local authority's Cunninghame House headquarters in Irvine stated that Cllr Reid had breached two parts of the Councillors' Code of Conduct. The watchdog panel heard that a member of the public was representing local history society [[Kilwinning]] Heritage at last year's meeting. They were seeking funding from the council by way of presenting an 'expression of interest' at the meeting. Read More After hearing evidence from witnesses, the Standards Commission report said that Cllr Reid had been "rude, aggressive and confrontational in his questioning". It was also found that he "unnecessarily interrupted and spoke over her on various occasions" and he had "given the appearance of belittling her, Kilwinning Heritage and the expression of interest". The panel acknowledged that Cllr Reid had an important role in scrutinising potential applications to ensure council funds were distributed fairly and in the public interest. They also noted that he may not have intended to cause any upset. However, the panel found that his approach was "disproportionate" and that his questioning was "wholly inappropriate". They were also of the opinion that his conduct may have been viewed as "an attack on both Kilwinning Heritage and on the member of the public". The panel accepted similar conduct might be characterised as being "robust" and, in certain circumstances, acceptable had it been directed towards other elected members during a political debate. The panel noted, however, that Cllr Reid, as an elected politician, was in a position of relative power in respect of the member of the public, who was an unpaid volunteer giving up her time for a local heritage society, and it therefore constituted a breach of the code. They also considered that, as she had been subjected to what the panel considered was effectively an "unwarranted and unexpected public attack", it would be reasonable for the member of the public to have felt "upset, bullied and humiliated" as a result. It was agreed that the manner in which Cllr Reid conducted himself towards her was both "intimidating and disparaging". Dr Lezley Stewart, Standards Commission member and chair of the hearing panel, said: 'The requirements for elected members to treat members of the public with respect and to refrain from any conduct that could amount to bullying, are key requirements of the Councillors' Code. "The panel noted that a failure to comply with the code's provisions in these regards can have a detrimental impact on public confidence in both elected members and local authorities and, in particular, in respect of their expectation that members of the public will be treated appropriately when engaging with them.' Cllr Reid, who was first elected in 2002 following the Irvine West by-election before being elected a year later for Kilwinning West, said he intends to query the sanction further. He said: "Given the position I now find myself in, and as the penalty has gone some way beyond the Commissioner's recommendation, I will be looking at lodging an appeal. "I never at any point set out to upset anyone, only to ensure the use of council funds is spent wisely." He added: "As a councillor, constituent work is not affected by this decision and I will continue to answer my phone and answer emails for those in need." While North Ayrshire Labour group chair and deputy leader, Cllr John Bell, branded the sanction as "extremely harsh". He said: "We are disappointed with the panel's decision. The complaint relates to an informal online meeting of the locality partnership. "I understand Cllr Reid joined the meeting on a mobile device from a work location, with his camera off. For the panel to hand out a two month suspension in these circumstances seems extremely harsh. Cllr Reid would be right to consider his options. 'What we do know is that Cllr Reid is one of the hardest working councillors in North Ayrshire. Someone who goes above and beyond to represents his constituents on local issues, as well volunteering countless hours to putting on community events such as the forthcoming Picnic in the Park. "We know that he will continue to represent all of Kilwinning with the same dedication he has since the day he was elected.'
The National
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Labour councillor Donald Reid suspended for 'bullying'
A Standards Commission for Scotland hearing investigated Donald Reid's behaviour during an online meeting of the Kilwinning Locality Partnership in February 2024. The panel found that the Kilwinning councillor, who was first elected more than 20 years ago, was "disrespectful towards a member of the public" and that his conduct "amounted to bullying, even if that had not been his intent". A report published following today's hearing at the local authority's Cunninghame House headquarters in Irvine stated that Reid had breached two parts of the Councillors' Code of Conduct. The watchdog panel heard that a member of the public was representing local history society [[Kilwinning]] Heritage at last year's meeting. They were seeking funding from the council by way of presenting an "expression of interest" at the meeting. Cllr Donald Reid (Image: NAC) After hearing evidence from witnesses, the Standards Commission report said that Reid had been "rude, aggressive and confrontational in his questioning". It was also found that he "unnecessarily interrupted and spoke over her on various occasions" and he had "given the appearance of belittling her, Kilwinning Heritage and the expression of interest". The panel acknowledged that Reid had an important role in scrutinising potential applications to ensure council funds were distributed fairly and in the public interest. They also noted that he may not have intended to cause any upset. However, the panel found that his approach was "disproportionate" and that his questioning was "wholly inappropriate". They were also of the opinion that his conduct may have been viewed as "an attack on both Kilwinning Heritage and on the member of the public". The panel accepted similar conduct might be characterised as being "robust" and, in certain circumstances, acceptable had it been directed towards other elected members during a political debate. The panel noted, however, that Reid, as an elected politician, was in a position of relative power in respect of the member of the public, who was an unpaid volunteer giving up her time for a local heritage society, and it therefore constituted a breach of the code. They also considered that, as she had been subjected to what the panel considered was effectively an "unwarranted and unexpected public attack", it would be reasonable for the member of the public to have felt "upset, bullied and humiliated" as a result. It was agreed that the manner in which Reid conducted himself towards her was both "intimidating and disparaging". Dr Lezley Stewart, Standards Commission member and chair of the hearing panel, said: 'The requirements for elected members to treat members of the public with respect and to refrain from any conduct that could amount to bullying, are key requirements of the Councillors' Code. "The panel noted that a failure to comply with the code's provisions in these regards can have a detrimental impact on public confidence in both elected members and local authorities and, in particular, in respect of their expectation that members of the public will be treated appropriately when engaging with them.' Reid, who was first elected in 2002 following the Irvine West by-election before being elected a year later for Kilwinning West, said he intends to query the sanction further. He said: "Given the position I now find myself in, and as the penalty has gone some way beyond the commissioner's recommendation, I will be looking at lodging an appeal. "I never at any point set out to upset anyone, only to ensure the use of council funds is spent wisely." He added: "As a councillor, constituent work is not affected by this decision and I will continue to answer my phone and answer emails for those in need."
BBC News
20-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Argyll and Bute councillor suspended over teen 'sexual deviant' slur
A councillor who wrongly accused a teenager of attempting to spy on girls in a school changing room has been suspended for two Redman, who sits as an independent on Argyll and Bute Council, also described the 15-year-old as a "sexual deviant" because the child occasionally wore women's clothing, a standards hearing was Standards Commission for Scotland (SCS) found the comments made to an officer from the council's education department during a phone call were "disrespectful and discriminatory".Councillor Redman, who was previously expelled from the Scottish Conservatives, has described the ruling as a "disgrace". Councillor Redman, who represents the Kintyre and the Islands ward, was referred to the standards committee in January had contacted the education department after allegations from some parents that a boy had put video recording equipment in a local school's girls-only changing that call, he told the council officer because the child "cross-dressed," it was "likely" he put the recording equipment in the also said: "People who cross-dressed were more likely to be sexually deviant".The school, which has not been named, and Police Scotland investigated the claims but found them to be untrue. 'Serious and unsubstantiated' The SCS panel ruled councillor Redman "made a serious accusation on his own behalf," rather than on behalf of his constituents, which suggested the child had "undertaken a potentially criminal act".The panel also said it was not provided with any evidence to show the accusation was "based on anything other than how councillor Redman understood the child occasionally dressed".They ruled that constituted breaches of the Councillors' Code of Conduct and that the accusations were "serious and unsubstantiated".Ashleigh Dunn, chair of the hearing panel, said councillor Redman "engaged in disrespectful and discriminatory" also noted that Mr Redman had not apologised for his said: "The code of conduct does not prevent councillors from passing on concerns constituents raise with them to council officers."The panel considered, however, that councillor Redman could have done so without engaging in disrespectful and discriminatory behaviour."Councillor Redman effectively made a serious accusation on his own behalf (as opposed to just passing on what his constituents had allegedly told him), being both that the child had undertaken a potentially criminal act and was likely also 'sexually deviant'."She added: "The panel considered that making such an accusation in the circumstances was disrespectful towards the child." 'An attack on free speech' Councillor Redman was suspended from the Scottish Conservatives in 2019 for allegedly sharing Islamophobic and racist content on social was expelled from the party two years told BBC Scotland: "This ruling is a disgrace and a politically motivated attempt to silence me for standing up for the protection of girls' spaces."I was elected to represent my constituents and relay their safeguarding concerns—yet I am being punished for doing exactly that."This is not justice; it is an attack on free speech and democracy."
