In a significant move to clean up local politics, the UK government has announced a major overhaul of standards for councillors and mayors in England. The new measures will grant local authorities enhanced powers to suspend elected officials for serious misconduct.
Powers to Suspend and Withhold Allowances
Under the plans revealed on Tuesday, local councils will receive authority to suspend rule-breaking councillors and mayors for periods of up to six months. This applies particularly to those found guilty of serious offences including bullying and assault. Additionally, councils will be able to withhold the allowances of those facing suspension.
The changes, which will be introduced through parliamentary legislation, aim to strengthen public confidence in local government. Ministers highlighted that the current system has allowed some councillors convicted of serious crimes to remain in their positions until receiving prison sentences.
Recent Cases Highlight System Failures
The government pointed to two concerning cases from this year that demonstrated the need for reform. In January, Len Ford, a member of Torridge district council in Devon, was jailed for 18 weeks following what was described as "a tirade of abuse" against a senior council officer.
Ford was found guilty of harassment after calling the council's head of legal, Staci Dorey, "corrupt, dishonest, Hitler and a disgrace to the human race". The victim had cameras installed at her home due to safety concerns and considered leaving her job because of the harassment.
In another case from March, Paul Ockelton, a Tewkesbury borough councillor, was convicted of sexually assaulting a girl under 13. The Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Richard Stanley, stated that he "took the steps that I was legally able to take" upon learning of the situation, but Ockelton initially refused to resign from the authority. He only stepped down after being found guilty.
Broader Implications and New Code of Conduct
The reforms will also address councillors serving in England while simultaneously seeking election abroad. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed expressed being "appalled" by cases of Tower Hamlets councillors who had launched campaigns to stand in upcoming elections in Bangladesh.
As part of the comprehensive changes, the government will introduce a mandatory code of conduct applying to representatives across all types of local authorities in England. This follows a consultation where an overwhelming 94% of respondents supported a code of conduct for local leaders, and 86% backed powers to suspend councillors for serious breaches.
The initiative continues work begun by Angela Rayner, who served as local government secretary until September. In her speech to the Local Government Association conference last October, Rayner highlighted awareness of "cases of persistent bullying and harassment by councillors, even in some cases leading to victims' resignations". She emphasised that "we don't have a system that protects victims or empowers councils to deal with unacceptable behaviour. And this cannot go on".
Local Government Minister Alison McGovern stated that the changes "will raise the bar and ensure swift, fair action where it's needed most". She added that the reforms would help "attract the best and brightest talent into local government, giving residents the representation they deserve".
Steve Reed reinforced the government's commitment, stating he was determined to "rooting out those who bring the system into disrepute". He emphasised that "when a small minority behave badly, it's a disservice to hard-working councillors and to taxpayers".
This standards overhaul represents the latest in a series of recent changes affecting local government. Earlier this summer, ministers announced they would give councils in England flexibility to decide when to hold remote and hybrid meetings. Last month, Reed also announced a crackdown on councils introducing four-day working weeks, arguing that it damages performance and represents poor value for money.
