Honiton councillor supports Jackie Weaver petition on local authority codes of conduct

Town and district representative Jake Bonetta has backed a national petition calling for legislation enabling councillors to be disciplined for unacceptable behaviour – saying it has relevance locally.

A petition has been launched with the help of local government advisor Jackie Weaver, who became a viral internet sensation in December when she removed the unruly chair of Handforth Parish Council in Cheshire from a virtual meeting, along with two councillors who supported him.

She wants the government to amend legislation to enable councillors to be disqualified or suspended for breaching relevant codes of conduct.

The petition states that most councillors maintain high standards of conduct, but a 'significant minority' engage in unacceptable behaviour that would be grounds for dismissal in an employment setting, and equivalent sanctions should exist for councillors.

Jake Bonetta's views on the issue

Jake Bonetta, Honiton Town and East Devon District councillor for the St Michael's ward, said: "I am supportive of this move by Jackie Weaver to try and give extra strength to the councillor sanctions process.

"Across the UK, too many councillors have been able to get away with unruly, disrespectful and harassing behaviour in their roles because of the toothless standards sanctions that can be imposed.

"This is not only a national issue, but has been especially pertinent in our local area recently. The basic behaviour of a councillor is governed by the 7 Nolan Principles - and if an MP can be recalled or suspended for unruly behaviour, so should a local councillor.

"I hope that fellow councillors of all parties and political persuasions will agree and join me by signing this petition."

What Jackie Weaver says about the petition

The petition is open for anyone to sign. At the time of writing, 6,721 signatures have been collected, but it needs 10,000 to trigger a response from the Government, and 100,000 for the issue to be considered for a parliamentary debate.

Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils (ChALC), told Nub News exclusively: "The kind of sanctions we are looking at aren't public flogging. It's looking at the potential of mandatory training or being removed from office for a period of time.

"It's important that we show the powers that be that we care about politics from the grass-roots level. It's been like pulling teeth so far. There is a general apathy and lack of understanding of just what a difference this can make. We all need to do a little."

She added: "We are trying very hard to promote diversity and equality in local councils and we have to be able to say to people that they will be safe in that environment.

"The least we can do is reassure them that they won't have to deal with internal conflict. We are failing some councils who work extremely hard at representing their communities, yet councillors have to deal with a disruptive element."

The petition can be found here.