1 week Ago
This comes after a leaked image of the complaint statement revealed that the author requested an incident involving the leader and the deputy leader of Wiltshire Council’s Liberal Democrats be reported to the police. The police have now confirmed that the case has been closed, as it was judged to be a matter for the council’s constitution and members’ conduct instead. READ MORE: Wiltshire Council leader on potential electoral fraud Wiltshire Council has said complaints about councillor conduct are confidential until determined.
(Image: Jessica Moriarty) The complaint claimed 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. This alleged incident occurred at the full council meeting on Tuesday, October 15, during a debate on a motion related to car usage in Wiltshire. Cllr Thorn was present at the meeting, but he had stepped out of the chamber when the vote on a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Conservative motion occurred.
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 complaint statement that was leaked to this paper suggested electoral fraud had been committed and Wiltshire Police had confirmed they were investigating such a report.
However, electoral fraud is typically dealt with under The Representation of the People Act 1983, which refers to parliamentary and local government elections only, so it has since been concluded the meeting incident is not a police matter. Wiltshire Council will still need to process the complaint internally. SEE ALSO: Melksham relief road to open before the end of the month Stay updated with the Wiltshire Times! For just £2 for 2 months or save 30% on an annual subscription, get unlimited local news.
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com/sfGTRxLpfY The complaint statement described it as a “significant breach of the constitution”, and Wiltshire Council’s leader Richard Clewer has since said that such a breach “would be really shocking”. Cllr Thorn has argued that the complaints process is confidential, and noted it was “disappointing that someone has decided that their need to publicise the complaints is more important than ensuring a fair and robust process”. 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 King has also been approached for comment regarding the incident..
