William Eichler 26 January 2026

Council leader considers random drug tests

Council leader considers random drug tests image
© Peter_Fleming / Shutterstock.com.

The leader of Hertsmere Borough Council is considering introducing random drug tests for councillors.

A Labour Party colleague asked in a written question whether Cllr Jeremy Newmark supported random testing of members for Class A drugs.

The council leader responded that there ‘may be a case for such testing’, subject to consultation with group leaders, according to the BBC.

He added that he would consider asking officers to ‘look into the implications of this in both legal and wider contexts’.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
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