Market Drayton councillor hits back over inquiry that saw him removed from committee
A Market Drayton councillor has hit back at the way an inquiry was carried out after he was accused of failing to adhere to the town council's code of conduct.
Councillor and former mayor Stephen Glover insists he did nothing wrong after he was
.
The town council said it had determined that Councillor Glover had failed to comply with its code of conduct, and had initially referred the complaint to the monitoring officer.
The issue relates to a town council meeting on September 3 last year where Councillor Glover along with another councillor and a member of the press stepped outside while a confidential matter was being discussed.
Councillor Glover said: "Outside the chamber a conversation occurred during which I drew to the attention of the reporter, worries that had been raised with me by two of my electors about the appointment of senior staff at the town council.
"I did not discuss any matters whatsoever of a confidential nature that I had gleaned during any council proceedings, only my constituent's genuine misgivings, and although I considered the identity of my constituents private, I was happy to reveal their concerns.
"The fact that this conversation had taken place formed the basis of a complaint to the monitoring officer by a committee chairman, though some might consider it to be questionable motive.
"The monitoring officer did not contact any participant and arrived at her conclusion that a breach of standing orders had occurred erroneously.
"I disagree with her findings as I am not prepared to be gagged in any fashion where the best interests of my constituents are concerned.
"The conduct of the inquiry by the investigating officer was manifestly unjust and forms the basis of an ongoing complaint to the local government ombudsman."
A statement issued on behalf of the town council said: "The town council had initially referred a complaint to the monitoring officer alleging that Councillor Glover had discussed sensitive matters concerning members of staff with a member of the press, asking that a story was published.
"Councillor Glover agreed that the alleged discussions had taken place and the investigating officer concluded that the actions of Councillor Glover amounted to a failure to comply with the code of conduct.
"The monitoring officer had made attempts to resolve the matter informally, without the need for an expensive and lengthy investigation but Councillor Glover had declined to voluntarily offer an apology to the members of staff involved.
"The actions of Councillor Glover had the potential to leave the town council vulnerable to claims from members of staff who, without the support of other town councillors, might have taken action against the town council."
It comes weeks after Market Drayton Town Council apologised over the treatment of Councillor Mark Whittle, who was suspended from town council meetings for three months after allegedly failing to adhere to the code of conduct.
