False allegations
Published: 10 December 2021
A member of the public has displayed malicious posters in Westbourne about a parish councillor. The allegations purported in the posters are false and are considered to be of a slanderous nature against an elected member who has been carrying out parish council duties. The incident has been reported to the police for investigation.
The Code of Conduct says “Importantly, (..Councillors..) should be able to undertake our role as a councillor without being intimidated, abused, bullied or threatened by anyone, including the general public.”
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) characterises bullying as “offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.”
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 defines harassment as “conduct that causes alarm or distress”.
Please contact clerk@westbourne-pc.gov.uk if you know who may have published the posters or if you have any evidence that may help the investigation. Many thanks.