Media Statement for West Suffolk Standards Committee - issued following Council meeting held on 16 July

17 Jul 2024

On the 13 May 2024 the West Suffolk Standards Committee met to consider the Monitoring Officer’s report (to include an investigating officer’s report and supporting evidence) and the view of an Independent Person to determine whether Councillor Nick Clarke of West Suffolk Council had breached the Suffolk Code of Conduct.

In considering the evidence, the Committee was unanimous in finding Councillor Clarke in breach of the following codes:

As a Councillor:

• 1 treat other councillors and members of the public with respect.

2.1 I do not bully any person.

2.2 I do not harass any person.

4.1b. I do not disclose information acquired by me which I believe, or ought reasonably to be aware, is of a confidential nature.

5.1 I do not bring my role or local authority into disrepute.

6.1 I do not use, or attempt to use, my position improperly to the advantage or disadvantage of myself or anyone else.

The Committee considered this to be a serious breach of the Suffolk Code of Conduct and therefore imposed the following sanctions:

1. That Councillor Clarke be removed from his seat on the Officer Appointments Committee.
2. That Councillor Clarke write a letter of apology to each of the complainants, such letter to be approved by the Chair of the West Suffolk Standards Committee.
3. That the Committee will report its findings in respect of Councillor Clarke’s conduct at the next ordinary meeting of Council and for Councillor Clarke to apologise to Council for the breaches.
4. That after the next ordinary meeting of Council, the Committee will release a statement about Councillor Clarke’s conduct to the media.
5. That a copy of the decision notice is submitted to the Chair of the West Suffolk Conservative Group with a recommendation that Councillor Clarke is removed from the position of Group Leader.
6. That a copy of the decision notice is submitted to the Deputy Leader of the West Suffolk Conservative Group.

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