Peterborough councillor apologises for social media posts as 10 new complaints made

The latest report submitted to the authority’ Constitution and Ethics Committee - which meets virtually on Monday evening - includes a round-up of the latest updates, although the authority’s policy is to name individuals unless they are sanctioned.

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The report states over the past year there have been 10 new complaints made against city councillors, although complaints handling was “generally put on hold between the end of March and July 2020 due to Covid-19 issues taking precedence”.

Another city councillor, and a parish councillor, have also agreed to take action after being the subjected of complaints.

Councillor given social media training after complaints

Three complaints about one unnamed city councillor were previously referred for a formal investigation by an external investigator.

These related to: a Facebook post in breach of the council’s Social Media Code; comments made about another councillor during a Full Council meeting and an associated social media post; offensive language (via an acronym) in a social media exchange which had been seen by a member of the public.

The report notes: “The investigator found that there was a breach of the code of conduct in relation to one of the complaints.

“The monitoring officer and independent person considered the investigator’s recommendation that, taking the complaints as a whole, an alternative resolution in the form of social media training should be sought in order to resolve the complaint without the need for a hearing.

“The councillor agreed to attend training and this was organised and took place on July 9, 2020. The councillor attended and participated fully and therefore no further action will be taken.”

Parish councillor apologises over social media posts

A complaint was made by a member of the public regarding an unnamed parish councillor’s posts and comments on social media relating to a tree felling application.

The report states: The post was removed, an apology was issued and the parish councillor confirmed that they would not participate in the discussion of this matter when it fell for discussion by the parish council.”

No further action is being taken.

The new complaints and the latest council updates

. A complaint from a councillor about another councillor in relation to the use of premises for party political purposes. The monitoring officer “considered the evidence submitted and was unable to conclude that any rules had been breached”.

. A complaint from a councillor about the behaviour of other councillors at a council meeting. After reviewing footage from the meeting “it was considered there was insufficient evidence to proceed”.

. A complaint from a councillor in relation to the behaviour of another councillor at a council meeting. This is “currently under investigation by an external investigator”.

. A complaint from a councillor about another councillor in relation to an email which related to the complaint above. The monitoring officer “considered the complaint was not supported by the evidence provided so no further action is to be taken”.

. A complaint was made by a councillor in relation to a social media post by another councillor. The monitoring officer “asked the complainant for further information – this was only received recently due to the complainant overlooking the MO’s email”. It is now due to be discussed with an independent person.

. A complaint was received from a councillor about a social media post by another councillor - “the councillor apologised and removed the post immediately so no further action is to be taken”.

. A complaint was made by a councillor about another councillor putting a photo on social media which appeared to show a lack of social distancing - “the councillor clarified that it was an old picture re-posted following the death of someone in the photo. No further action was necessary”.

. A complaint from a councillor in relation to social media posts by another councillor - “this awaits initial assessment by the monitoring officer and independent person”.

. A complaint from a councillor in relation to social media posts by another councillor which is linked to the above complaint. The monitoring officer is “awaiting a response from the councillor and then will consider alongside the independent person”.

. A complaint was received from a member of the public relating to social media posts by a councillor - “the complaint has been resolved following a discussion between the parties and the complaint has been withdrawn”.

Moreover, there have been complaints made by one parish councillor against two other parish councillors over “allegations of bullying” during a meeting. These are now being considered.