The Code of Conduct Panel met to consider the outcome of code of conduct investigations. The panel was scheduled to discuss complaints made against Councillor Sheldon Vestey and determine what actions, if any, to take. The meeting was also scheduled to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting.

Outcome of Code of Conduct Investigations

The Code of Conduct Panel was scheduled to review complaints against Councillor Sheldon Vestey. The complaints were submitted by Councillor Tim Crowley, Councillor Nick Mattey, and one anonymous complainant. The complaints allege that Councillor Sheldon Vestey breached the code of conduct through a series of social media posts, disclosed confidential information, and used council resources (email) to send unsubstantiated allegations against another councillor.

The complaints were investigated by Verina Wenham, and peer reviewed by Hoey and Ainsworth Associates. The investigator found that Councillor Sheldon Vestey could reasonably be regarded as being in breach of paragraphs 3, 6 and 14 of the Code of Conduct in relation to the complaint submitted by Councillor Tim Crowley and Councillor Nick Mattey, and paragraph 3 of the Code of Conduct in relation to the complaint submitted by the anonymous complainant.

The relevant sections of the Code of Conduct, under the general obligations are:

• Treat others with respect
• Do not bully or harass any person
• Do ensure, when using or authorising the use by others of the resources of the Authority, that you act in accordance with the Authority's reasonable requirements and that such resources are not used improperly for political purposes.

The Code of Conduct Panel was scheduled to determine what actions, if any, to take in response to the complaint and the investigation reports. The panel may conclude that Councillor Sheldon Vestey did not fail to comply with the Code of Conduct, and so dismiss the complaint. If the Code of Conduct Panel concludes that Councillor Sheldon Vestey did fail to comply with the Code of Conduct, the Council has determined that the Panel may take such action in respect of individual members as may be necessary to promote and maintain high standards of conduct. Accordingly the Code of Conduct Panel may as appropriate and circumstances dictate:

• Instruct the Monitoring Officer to arrange training for the member.
• Publish its findings in respect of the member's conduct.
• Report its findings to Council for information, without discussion or debate.
• The Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee to write to the member with their advice on the conduct.
• Censure or reprimand by the Code of Conduct Panel.
• Recommend the Council to censure.
• Recommend the removal of the member from all outside appointments to which they have been appointed or nominated by the Authority.
• Recommend to the member's Group Leader that the member be removed from particular portfolio responsibilities.
• Recommend to the member's Group Leader (or in the case of un-grouped members, recommend to the Council or to committees) that the member be removed from any or all committees or sub-committees of the Council.
• Withdraw facilities provided to the member by the Council, such as a computer, web site and/or e-mail and internet access.
• Exclude the member from the Council's offices or other premises, with the exception of meeting rooms as necessary for attending Council, committee and sub-committee meetings.
• Recommend to change/adopt a Council process.

The Standards Regime Complaints Procedure sets out how a complaint may be made that an elected or co-opted member of this Authority has failed to comply with the Authority's Code of Conduct, and sets out how the Authority will deal with allegations of a failure to comply with that Code of Conduct.

Exclusion of the press and public

The Code of Conduct Panel was scheduled to consider a motion to exclude the public and press from the meeting. The motion states that the exclusion is necessary because the items of business involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.