Leading on from news today that Cllr Pugh has been cleared by a sub committee of the Isle of Wight Ethical Standards Committee (ESC) for shouting expletives at the partner of the Island MP, we learn that this is not the only complaint that hasn’t been taken as far as the ESC.
Complaint lodged by Patrick Joyce
Following a press statement made by Cllr David Pugh on Tuesday 26th January, a complaint was lodged against him by Patrick Joyce (suspended councillor for Bembridge Brading and St Helens).
On 5th February, Mr Joyce wrote to Steve Beynon calling for an investigation to be made by Standards of England, following what he claims was a breach of the Code of Conduct by Cllr Pugh.
It relates to the following section of the press statement sent out by Cllr Pugh, in which he refers to the long drawn out investigation of four councillors involved in the Craven Court Planning Application.
“Whilst technically described as “breaches”, in reality these were not minor, isolated oversights or even ‘errors of judgement’. This behaviour – in my view – amounted to a deliberate, pro-active and concerted attempt by a number of senior councillors to pervert the quasi-judicial planning process for the improper financial gain of a political colleague and friend.”
Press release not accurate
The Assessment Sub Committee said that they did not condone the actions of Cllr Pugh and were disappointed that the press release was not accurate.
In the future, they said they wanted to ensure any press releases issued by the Leader were more precise.
The Committee said that they felt that it was unclear from the press release if Councillor Pugh was writing as the Leader of the Isle of Wight Council or on behalf of the Isle of Wight Conservative Group.
Councillors lumped together
The behaviour of all four councillors was lumped together even though the Adjudication Panel findings were not the same for each person.
The comment by Cllr Pugh that Cllr Joyce sought to help Cllr Bishop in gaining planning permission was untrue and indeed, he was exonerated by the findings of fact by the Adjudication Panel.
The decision
After looking at the evidence in front of them, the Assessment Sub Committee came to the decision that …
.. an investigation would be disproportionate and not in the public interest but requested that the Monitoring Officer speak to Councillor David Pugh advising him inaccurate statements could be regarded as bringing his office into disrepute, and to remind him of his obligations under the code of conduct.
Here’s the press release that Patrick Joyce put in a complaint about …
IWCCG-PressStatement-AdjudicationPanelOutcomes
Image: Abhi under CC BY-SA 2.0
