The Constitution and Ethics Committee of Leicestershire County Council met on Monday 13 July 2026, electing Councillor Dan Harrison as its new Chair. The committee discussed a significant increase in complaints regarding the Members' Code of Conduct, approving amendments to the complaints procedure and a revised Independent Persons Protocol to address the rise in issues. Members also reviewed and approved supplementary guidance for councillors on monetised social media accounts and received an update on proposed national reforms to the local government ethical standards framework.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

The meeting began with the election of a new Chairman. Following a secret ballot, Councillor Dan Harrison was elected as Chairman for the period until the next Annual Meeting of the Council, narrowly defeating Councillor David Page. Subsequently, Councillor Stuart Bray was elected as Vice-Chairman, also through a secret ballot, securing more votes than Councillor David Page.

Update on the Operation of the Members' Code of Conduct

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the operation of the Members' Code of Conduct complaints process. The committee noted a substantial increase in complaints received between 1 October 2025 and 30 June 2026, with 87 complaints logged compared to 34 in the previous year. These complaints primarily related to social media comments, written communications, and remarks made during council meetings, with many arising from the same or similar incidents.

Members expressed concerns about the impact of this increase on officer time and financial resources, while also acknowledging that a rise in complaints does not necessarily equate to an increase in misconduct. The discussion highlighted that many matters are resolved informally, and that a formal investigation is required to find a breach of the Code. The committee approved proposed amendments to the complaints procedure, which included strengthened provisions on complaint submission, support, confidentiality, public interest, informal resolution, Independent Person involvement, investigations, hearings, decision notices, public apologies, and reporting arrangements. A revised Independent Persons Protocol was also approved. The committee agreed to receive more frequent update reports on the complaints process while complaint volumes remain elevated and requested that future reports include information on the cost of external investigations.

Social Media Guidance for Members

The committee reviewed the Council's existing Social Media Guidance for Members and found it to be fit for purpose, aligning with recent guidance from the Local Government Association (LGA). A supplementary advice note for Members on monetised social media posts was approved. This note clarifies that deriving income or financial benefit from social media activity, such as through advertising revenue, paid partnerships, or subscriptions, can constitute a financial interest requiring registration and disclosure under the Members' Code of Conduct. Members were urged to review their Register of Interests in light of this guidance, and the existing and supplementary guidance will be circulated to all Members and published on the Council's Elected Member Portal.

Update on Proposed National Changes to the Local Government Ethical Standards Framework

The committee received an update on proposed national reforms to the local government standards and conduct framework. These reforms, stemming from a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation, aim to introduce a mandatory code of conduct, require formal standards committees, provide support for complainants and councillors, and introduce new sanctions such as suspension and premises bans. While the detailed legislative timetable is yet to be confirmed, the Council's existing Constitution and Ethics Committee structure places it in a good position to adapt to these changes.

Additionally, the committee noted a national change, effective from 29 June 2026, which allows members to request that their home addresses be withheld from public registers of interests, balancing transparency with personal safety. The Council had already implemented a local protocol consistent with this change. The committee agreed that officers should review member training arrangements in light of the proposed national reforms and that a further report would be presented once more detailed legislative information becomes available.

The Committee's Role where the Council Acts as Charity Trustee

The committee considered a guide outlining its role and responsibilities when the Council acts as a Charity Trustee. It was noted that the committee's role is to ensure the Council acts in the charity's best interests, complies with its governing documents and the law, and manages resources responsibly. The committee resolved to note its role and responsibilities in this capacity and requested a further report detailing instances where the Council acts as a Charity Trustee.

Terms of Reference

The committee noted the terms of reference for the Constitution and Ethics Committee as set out in Part 3 of the Council's Constitution.

Future Meetings

The dates for future meetings of the Constitution and Ethics Committee were confirmed.