This just in from Cllr David Pugh – Ed
Statement from David Pugh in response to the findings of the investigation into complaint ESC.69.10:
“I welcome these clear and unequivocal findings.
I have no doubt that the intention of this political witch-hunt was to see me removed as Council Leader. Cllrs Bacon, Lumley and Welsford constructed a detailed set of spurious and defamatory claims about my conduct, despite not witnessing most of the alleged activity in question.
When seeking to justify their complaint back in April, these councillors outlined their concern over the alleged use of “council resources, and thereby council taxpayers’ money”. The real waste of taxpayers’ money is the cost of this investigation, triggered by the false accusations which they made against me.
As the investigation report makes clear, there was and is no genuine evidence to support the baseless allegations. I believe these councillors now owe an apology to council taxpayers and also to those individuals whose names they used, without reference to them, in pursuing this complaint.
Throughout this difficult period, my Conservative colleagues and I have remained focused on fulfilling our commitment to public service. All of us, including the two new Conservative members I have welcomed during this period, have been elected to serve the needs of the Island community as a whole.
I hope that this approach, not the pursuit of political vendettas, will be the focus of all councillors from now on.”
