Laura Sharman 13 October 2020

Luton Council unable to take action against councillors breaching lockdown rules

Luton council has expressed its ‘disappointment’ after it was unable to formally sanction three councillors who broke coronavirus lockdown rules in July.

The mayor of Luton - who subsequently resigned - and two other councillors were pictured attending a garden party during lockdown.

However, the council’s local adjudication panel has now said it was unable to take further action as the councillors attended the party in a personal capacity.

Cllr Sameera Saleem, chair of the panel, said: ‘The panel, made up of cross-party councillors and independent members, were in unanimous agreement that the actions of the three councillors were ill advised, caused distress, broke trust in our communities and brought themselves and the council into disrepute.

’Despite all of this, the panel can only take action when there has been a breach of the councillor code of conduct which relates to councillors when they are acting in an official capacity. There was no evidence provided to the panel that could make us conclude that the councillors were representing Luton Council at the event.'

Cllr Saleem called on the Government to strengthen and extend the powers available to local standards committees when writing the new code of conduct.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner