The chief executive and leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council have issued a joint statement on the suspension of Cefn Fforest councillor Graham Simmonds.
The joint statement by Anthony O’Sullivan, chief executive, and Council leader Cllr Lindsay Whittle is as follows:
“A few weeks ago, Cllr Graham Simmonds appeared before the Council’s Standards Committee to answer allegations about his inappropriate behaviour towards Caerphilly County Borough Council employees and to other councillors.
“The Standards Committee found that there had been a failure to comply with the Council’s Code of Conduct for Elected Members by failing to show respect and consideration for others and for harassing officers and fellow members.
“The council has strict rules in place governing the conduct of elected members and Council staff – we at Caerphilly County Borough Council are not prepared to tolerate anyone acting in a bullying manner and allegations of this nature will be dealt with seriously.
“The date for Cllr Simmonds to appeal the decision taken by the Standards Committee has now passed and therefore he is formally suspended from his position as an elected representative of this council up to and including April 21 2011.
“This means he should have no contact with council employees or other councillors in his elected role nor should he represent any constituents during this period.”
Dear Sir.
Now that this councillor,has been suspended.Can some one please say.Will he have his councillors allowance stoped for the time he is barred from doing his council work.I hope so.Any councillor who is a bully should be punished.
David Smith.Former councillor.
Dear Sir.
Has a past councillor,It should be obvious to Mr Smith,That Mr Simmonds,wouldn't,be entitled to allowance's whilst serving his suspension.
Or does Mr Smith know from being a former councillor,That this might not be the case.Because to do so, would amount to fruad?not least a lack of policing by the exspense dept.
M.Thomas