Letter: Council’s Action On Complaint Does Not Seem Unreasonable

Published on: 7 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 7 Sep, 2017

Cllrs David Reeve (GGG), Paul Spooner (Con) and Caroline Reeves (Lib Dem).

From Calum Shaw

In response to: Letter: The Victimisation of Councillor Reeve Is Totally Unacceptable

“An independent investigation into the complaints concluded that Cllr Reeve had breached the GBC councillors’ Code of Conduct.”

Doesn’t sound unreasonable.

Responses to Letter: Council’s Action On Complaint Does Not Seem Unreasonable

John Perkins Reply

September 7, 2017 at 6:44 pm

Only if one is prepared to accept that the Code of Conduct itself is not unreasonable.

“A failure to treat others with respect” is such an ill-defined and subjective clause that it could be used for almost any reason and to any purpose.

“The disclosure of confidential information” is perhaps more serious, but keeping information from the public, who pay for it, is far more alarming.

“Conducting himself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing the office of a councillor or the council into disrepute”. This again is completely subjective. It hinges on the word “reasonable” and is clearly open to misuse.
Martin Elliott Reply

September 7, 2017 at 6:55 pm

I wonder if it will provoke a question about the root cause of the issue, why the SMHA was considered confidential although it was an essential supporting document for the public Local Plan?

Or will that be, naturally, ruled out of order? “It doesn’t matter why its confidential, it was!”
Peter Shaw Reply

September 7, 2017 at 8:34 pm

A similar procedure was followed when Monika Juneja (the former Conservative GBC Councillor in charge of writing the Local Plan) had complaints made about her. She was exonerated by the GBC leadership and council disciplinary process. Several months later following a police investigation she was found guilty in the Crown Court on several charges.

This highlights that this political process is nothing more than a means to damage the reputation of an opposition councillor who is trying to highlight issues within the council.

However, my gut feeling is that it will be used as a kangaroo court. Cllr David Reeves should be praised for his work and diligence not persecuted.

I’m not surprised by the actions taken by GBC Conservative Executive I’m just disappointed that members of the public, who voted for them, don’t realise how these particular individuals are damaging local democracy, Guildford Borough and the local Conservative party.
Adam Aaronson Reply

September 8, 2017 at 11:49 am

If you take the trouble to read some of the documentation which runs to more than 200 pages, you might conclude that this action does seem rather unreasonable.

You can read it here http://www2.guildford.gov.uk/councilmeetings/documents/g705/Public%20reports%20pack%2011th-Sep-2017%2010.00%20Hearings%20Sub-Committee.pdf?T=10

Paragraph 87 of the independent solicitor’s report states:

“I recommend that Cllr Reeve is asked to undergo further training in the Code of Conduct and the related policies in the Constitution.”

Perhaps Cllr Spooner, who instigated this complaint, and who presumably knows how costs within the process can escalate, could indicate how much this exercise has cost so far to reach this momentous recommendation.

People could then draw their conclusions as to whether this has been a sensible use of council funds, or what some might regard as residents’ hard earned Council Tax.
David Roberts Reply

September 8, 2017 at 6:43 pm

The totally unnecessary costs Mr Aaronson mentions would have to made public under a Freedom of Information request from any member of the public.