2 weeks Ago
This paper has seen a leaked image of a complaint statement sent to Wiltshire Council which suggests that the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, Cllr Gordon King, reached over to use the voting console of the Lib Dem leader, Cllr Ian Thorn, whilst he was absent. The statement described this as a “significant breach of the constitution”, but Cllr Thorn has said that the complaints process is confidential, and it would be “unethical” to comment further until it is resolved. Cllr King has also been approached for comment regarding the incident.
READ MORE: Council reduced to laughter over Clean Air Zone debate Cllr King speaking at the meeting. (Image: Wiltshire Council) The alleged incident occurred at the full council meeting on Tuesday, October 15, during a debate on a motion related to car usage in Wiltshire. Although Cllr Thorn was present at the meeting, he had stepped out of the chamber when the vote on a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Conservative motion occurred.
According to the complaint statement, Cllr King cast his own vote before leaning across to vote on Cllr Thorn’s empty terminal. Cllr King is not in frame on the meeting recording at the moment of the vote, but low-resolution images show him speaking with councillors behind him immediately afterwards. The recording also reveals the democratic services officer interacting with cabinet members following the alleged incident.
The recording was focused on the motion text so images available immediately after the alleged incident are of poor quality. (Image: Wiltshire Council) The author of the complaint requested an internal investigation and a report of electoral fraud to the police. Wiltshire Police have commented: “We have received a report of a potential incident of electoral fraud at a council meeting on Trowbridge on October 15.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to ascertain whether any offences have been committed.” SEE ALSO: Wiltshire councillors discuss autumn budget set out by Rachel Reeves Stay updated with the Wiltshire Times! For just £2 for 2 months or save 30% on an annual subscription, get unlimited local news. Don’t miss out on what’s happening locally! Subscribe now👉👉 https://t.
co/su2SSXP1Yp #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism pic.twitter.com/sfGTRxLpfY A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “Any complaints about councillor conduct are handled in accordance with Protocol 11 in the council’s Constitution: Arrangements for Handling Code of Conduct Complaints.
“The Protocol requires that such complaints remain confidential until determined.” Cllr Thorn stated: “I understand the complaints process is confidential until the complaint is resolved. “It would be unethical to comment further on the nature of the complaint until the process is complete.
“However, it is disappointing that someone has decided that their need to publicise the complaints is more important than ensuring a fair and robust process. “I’m sure this has nothing to do with an election just a few months away.”.
