Councillor Jacqueline Thomas was elected as Chairwoman for the meeting.

No interests were declared.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Assessment and Determination of Allegations of Breaches of the Members Code of Conduct to consider an Investigation and determine what action, if any, should be taken.

The Standards Hearing Sub-Committee considered a report on an investigation relating to allegations that Councillor Maddison had failed to follow the Code of Conduct for Members.

At the Hearing, the Monitoring Officer set out the procedure followed in processing the complaint which alleged that Councillor Maddison had breached the Code of Conduct for Members.  The Chairwoman, then invited the Investigator, Mr Kenyon to outline his report.  Mr Kenyon responded to Members’ questions upon conclusion of his oral submission and throughout the remainder of the Hearing.  

Subsequently, the Complainant, Mrs Bond and Councillor Maddison’s representative Mr Benson were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the findings in the report.  During the consideration of the report’s findings the Standards Hearing Sub-Committee posed questions to the following witnesses, Councillors Stevens, Brook and Amil.  Mrs Bond and Mr Benson both had the opportunity to ask Councillors Stevens, Brook and Amil questions.  Councillor Spacagna was also a witness but was unable to attend the Hearing and had provided a written submission which was read out by the Clerk. 

A record of the Standards Hearing Sub-Committee’s decision and reasons for decision, are attached to these Minutes.