The Ombudsman received a complaint that a Member (“the Member”) of Powys County Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct (“the Code”).
It was alleged that the Member made discriminatory comments directed towards the Complainant in a video that was published online. The investigation considered the following paragraphs of the Code: 4(a) – members must carry out their duties and responsibilities with due regard to the principle that there should be equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age or religion.
4(b) – members must show respect and consideration for others.
4(c) – members must not use bullying behaviour or harass any person.
6(1)(a) – members must not conduct themselves in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing their office or authority into disrepute.
Information was obtained from the Council and the Complainant. The Member also provided a written response to the allegation.
The investigation found that the Member’s explanation for the comments made in the video was plausible and genuine and that the comments had been misinterpreted. There was no evidence that the Member made discriminatory comments and there was no evidence of a breach of the Code.