Agenda and minutes

It was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed that Dr S. Hill CC be appointed Chairman of the meeting.

Dr S. Hill CC in the Chair

There were no declarations of interest.

The public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business in accordance with Section 100(a) of the Local government Act 1927:

-         Complaints under the Members’ Code of Conduct (Part 5A of Leicestershire County Council)

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act 1972.”

The Panel considered an exempt report of the Monitoring Officer regarding the outcome of an early assessment undertaken by her in respect of complaints made about the conduct of an elected member.  The report indicated the available option to the Panel under the Council’s Procedure for dealing with Member Conduct Complaints.  A copy of the report is filed with these minutes.

The report was not for publication as it contained information relating to an individual.

The Chairman welcomed Mrs Roberts, the independent person, to the meeting.  At the request of the Panel, Mrs Roberts outlined her view on the complaints received.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the early assessment report of the Monitoring Officer be noted;

(b)  That complaint A be referred for ‘other action’ and the member be asked to offer an apology to the complainants for comments made which gave rise to the complaint;

(c)   That complaint B be referred for ‘other action’ and the member be asked to offer an apology to the complainant and that this be shared on those social media platforms the original comments were made which led to the complaint;

(d)  That no further action be taken in respect of complaint C, recognising that an apology had already been made and accepted by the complainant;

(e)  That complaints D-G be referred for investigation;

(f)    That allegations regarding a failure to register an interest be referred back to the Monitoring Officer to seek further evidence on this issue.