West Suffolk Councillors found in 'serious' breach of codes of conduct
They were in breach of multiple rules including bullying, discrimination, and harassment
Last updated 17th Jul 2024
Two local leaders in West Suffolk have been found in ‘serious’ breach of multiple codes of conduct, including bullying, discrimination, and harassment.
The chairman of West Suffolk’s standards committee, Cllr Roger Dicker announced the findings during Tuesday's full council meeting.
That's according to West Suffolk’s standards committee, which said that Cllrs Nick Clarke and Andy Drummond breached six codes each.
Both breached codes of bullying, disclosing confidential information, using their positions to the advantage or disadvantage of themselves or anyone else, and bringing their role or local authority into disrepute.
Cllr Clarke also broke rules to do with harassment and treating other councillors and members of the public with respect.
Cllr Drummond broke codes to do with respect for volunteers and employees of the council or other partner organisations, and discrimination unlawfully against a person.
Both were asked to apologise, though Councillor Clarke refused, and they've been removed from their seats on various council committees.
Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger has now taken over from Nick Clarke as leader of the Conservative Group.
Speaking after the meeting, the council’s leader, Cliff Waterman, called the announcement very sad and disappointing.
He added: “We expect the very highest standards from all our councillors, our residents elect us and they expect us to behave well.