Cllr David Pugh Cleared Of Breaching Code Of Conduct Rules (Update 5)

We’re just hearing that the Leader of the Isle of Wight council, Cllr David Pugh, has been cleared of breaching the Code of Conduct, as alleged by three other IWC councillors.

The complaints were connected to the aftermath of the incident at the Valentine’s Ball, PughTube, where the Leader of the Isle of Wight council was captured on video swearing loudly at the partner on the Island MP.

The allegations were …

Three potential breaches relating to Cllr Pugh’s use of the Communications Department – misuse of his position as council leader to secure an advantage, improper use of the Communications Department for political purposes and compromising the impartiality of those working for the council.
The other three potential breaches for investigation relate to Cllr Pugh’s alleged actions towards his guest at the Ball, Rachael Bushby, at the table during the Ball – bullying, intimidation of witness and failing to treat with respect.

Update 13:46
The Decision
The Decision of the Consideration Sub-Committee was that they “Agree with the findings of the Investigating Officer that there has been no breach of the code of conduct.”

The reasons they provided were that “There was no evidence that there has been a breach of the Code of Conduct.

“That the report of the Investigating Officer, suitably redacted to protect third parties, be released to the public.”

Update 14:42
Summary of the Complaint

Para 3(1) – You must treat others with respect (Rachael Bushby in relation to events within the ball at the table)
Para 3(2)(b) – You must not bully any person (Rachael Bushby in relation to events within the ball at the table)
Para 3(2)(c) – You must not intimidate or attempt to intimidate any person who is likely to be a complainant or witness (Rachael Bushby in relation to events within the ball at the table)
Para 3(2)(d) – You must not do anything which compromises or is likely to compromise the impartiality of those who work for, or on behalf, your authority (Rachael Bushby and the Isle of Wight Council Communication department)
Inserted Upon review – Para 5 – You must not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office into disrepute (Isle of Wight Radio Interview – 23rd February 2010)
Para 6(a) – You must not use or attempt to use your position as a member to confer on or secure for yourself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage. (Isle of Wight Council Communication department)
Para 6(b) (ii) – You must when using or authorising the use by others of the resources of your authority ensure that such resources are not used improperly for political purposes. (Isle of Wight Council Communication department)

Update: 14:47
Findings of Investigating Officer

In relation to Para 3(1); Para 3(2)(b); Para 3(2)(c)

I do not believe there is sustainable evidence to conclude on the balance of probabilities that any overt or covert pressure was placed upon Rachael to act in a particular manner.
Whilst I accept the non-referred incident may have been of the type of behaviour that may cause concern, I have seen no evidence to suggest that he treated Rachael with anything other than respect during the evening in question.
I have seen no evidence that Cllr Pugh’s actions or conduct towards Rachael amounted to intimidatory behaviour. I have heard no evidence of any particular behaviour that would amount to intimidation or even a series of actions that might cumulatively amount to such.
I believe all her actions were voluntary and no action attributable to Cllr Pugh has been evidenced in my enquiry. I believe her actions in attending and leaving with him are consistent with a relationship.

In relation to Para 3(2)(d); Para 6(a); Para 6(b)(ii)

I believe that is quite proper that officers sought to moderately manage media enquiries during the week beginning 15th February. I do not find that any such actions were excessive or improper.
I further believe that it was proper to seek to establish whether any further adverse publicity would be made by key witnesses to the event.
I do not find that Cllr Pugh has breached these paragraphs of the code of conduct.

In relation to Para 5

I do not believe Cllr Pugh’s comment caused harm to his office or the authority. I do not believe that his comment diminished his office or the Council to a sufficient degree that would breach the code of conduct.

Update 14:03
Read for yourself
We’ve just processed the fax we were sent, so you’re all able to have a read through the source material we’re dealing with – and hopefully point out parts of the document that you think are relevant – we’ll then add these to the article.

It’s the first time we’ve done this – do let us know what you think.

This document is much longer than the one below, although lots more of it has been redacted

David Pugh – Valentine’s Party 2010 – Report_E_Copy_Redacted as Released to Public

Below is the initial document that we received form the council.

18 Nov.2010 David Pugh Valentines Ball Standards Cleared

Many readers comments previously
The stories that VentnorBlog published around the incident received some of the most readers’ comments that we’ve had on VB …