Oakham Residents Elect Tory Town Councillor Stan Stubbs With a Dubious Political Past.
Oakham Town Council OSE Result
Martin Brookes 50 Votes
Leanne Martin 94 Votes
Stan Stubbs 189 Votes
2 rejected votes
15.6% turn out
Mr Stubbs told voters he has lived in Oakham for 17 months, records show he moved into his new home 14
months ago on 25th Jun 2012 paying £215,000
It appears he resigned some time before his move from Newton Toney Parish Council and from
Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils.
A member of the public who was surprised that an unknown newcomer to the area could win over
60% of the votes cast asked a simple question of the man, who does not even reside in the ward.
"Did you do a lot of leafleting?"
Mr Stubbs replied "I am not willing to answer that"
mmm ...... is this an example of the level of transparency we can expect from Cllr Snubbs in the future?
Clearly Mr Stubbs will fit tightly into the clique.
No action to be taken over councillor's rule breach
12:36pm Thursday 1st October 2009 in NewsBy Annie Riddle
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/4659417.No_action_to_be_taken_over_councillor_s_rule_breach/
A PARISH councillor who broke the rules of his job was trying to do the best for his community, watchdogs have found.
Stan Stubbs fell foul of a clause in the code of conduct which says parish councillors should not use their position to gain an advantage for themselves or anyone else.
But the Wiltshire Council sub-committee hearing his case on Friday decided not to impose any sanction. They agreed the rules were too vaguely worded, and will ask for them to be made clearer.
Mr Stubbs is chairman of the Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils and vice-chairman of Newton Tony Parish Council.
At a meeting in October last year, the alliance was asked by Mike Hewitt, then a district councillor for Upper Bourne, Idmiston and Winterbourne, to support his bid for selection as the local Conservative candidate for Wiltshire Council.
The alliance voted by a majority to do so, and Mr Stubbs signed a letter to the 62 people involved in the selection process.
Corrinne Goodenough, who was then clerk to Allington with Boscombe Parish Council, complained to the, then, district council alleging this amounted to breaching the code.
A lawyer hired to investigate on behalf of the council felt the code had not been breached.
However, the matter ended up with Wiltshire’s standards hearing sub-committee.
On Friday, they ruled Mr Stubbs had breached paragraph 6a of the code.
However, the council issued a statement saying: “Taking everything into account, including their view that Mr Stubbs was genuinely seeking to act in the best interest of the community, they decided to take no action.
“The sub-committee also decided to recommend Standards for England to provide further guidance on this issue.”
Mr Stubbs said: “I have absolutely nothing to hide. I gave people the opportunity to decide whether to discuss the request and they agreed, with one abstention, to discuss it.
“Mr Hewitt had been a district councillor for years, had worked hard, and knew the area well. It had nothing to do with politics.”
More Articles to follow
Reference SDC-WC-05/09
Subject member
Cllr. Stan Stubbs
Complainant
Mrs. Corinne Goodenough
Hearing Sub-Committee membership
Mr I McGill CBE, Chairman (Independent)
Cllr. Malcolm Hewson (Wiltshire Council)
Cllr. R Oglesby JP (Parish Council)
Monitoring Officer
Ian Gibbons
Clerk
David Mutch
Complaint
On 8 December 2008, the Monitoring Officer of Salisbury District Council received a complaint from Mrs Corinne Goodenough regarding the alleged conduct of Councillor Stan Stubbs, a member of Newton Toney Parish Council.
The complaint alleged that Councillor Stubbs, whilst acting as chairman of the Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils (BVA), agreed that an item relating to candidate selection for the unitary authority by a political party, an item not on the agenda for the meeting of the BVA on 20 October 2008, be considered. The complaint also alleged that Councillor Stubbs subsequently wrote on behalf of the BVA, using BVA notepaper, to members of the South Wiltshire Conservative Group supporting selection of Councillor Hewitt as a candidate for a political party.
The complainant alleged that Councillor Stubbs used his position in such a manner that it breached paragraphs 6(a) and 6(b)(ii) of the Code of Conduct for Members adopted by Newton Toney Parish Council:
”6. You—
(a) must not use or attempt to use your position as a member improperly to confer on or secure for yourself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage; and;
“(b) must, when using or authorising the use by others of the resources of your authority—
ii) ensure that such resources are not used improperly for political purposes (including party political purposes);”
On 15 December 2008, the Standards Assessment Sub-Committee of Salisbury District Council decided that the complaint should be referred to the Monitoring Officer for investigation.
The Monitoring Officer of Salisbury District Council instructed Mr Simon Heald, partner of Veale Wasbrough Solicitors, to undertake the investigation on his behalf.
Following the dissolution of Salisbury District Council on 1 April 2009, the complaint became the responsibility of Wiltshire Council under transitional regulations.
In his report the Investigator found that there had not been a breach of either paragraph 6(a) or 6(b)(ii) of the Code of Conduct for Members.
On the 10 August 2009 the Investigator’s report and findings were considered by the Standards Committee’s Consideration Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee accepted the Investigator’s finding that there was no breach of paragraph 6(b)(ii) of the Code, but decided that the allegation in respect of paragraph 6(a) should proceed to a determination hearing.
A hearing was therefore conducted by the Hearing Sub-Committee of the Standards Committee of Wiltshire Council on 25 September 2009 in accordance with Regulations 18 and 19 of the Standards Committee (England) Regulations 2008
Decision
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Paragraph 6 (a) “You must not use or attempt to use your position as a member improperly to confer on or secure for yourself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage”.
The Hearing Sub-Committee found unanimously that Cllr. Stubbs’ actions, as set out in the agreed findings of fact, amounted to a breach of paragraph 6(a) of the Code of Conduct for Members.
Reasons for decision
The Sub-Committee agreed the undisputed findings of fact as set out in section 12 of the Investigator’s report, attached as appendix 1. However, contrary to the Investigator’s findings in section 14 of the report, the sub-committee considered that Cllr. Stubbs had acted improperly in writing a letter in his role as Chairman of the BVA and also as a representative of Newton Toney Parish Council in order to confer an electoral advantage on a particular person.
NO SANCTION
The Sub-Committee resolved to impose no sanction in respect of the breach in this case.
Reasons for decision
The Sub-Committee:
1. recognised the importance of the considerable public service undertaken by Parish and Town Council representatives.
2. was mindful that others were involved in these events who were not subject to this hearing.
3. recognised that Cllr. Stubbs had no access to legal advice in his capacity as Chairman of the BVA.
believed that Cllr. Stubbs was acting in the best interests of his community.
took account of the length of time it had taken for this matter to be determined.
This decision notice is sent to the complainant, the member against whom the allegation was made, the Standards Committee of Wiltshire Council, the parish councils concerned, and the Standards Board for England.
Summary of evidence considered and representations made
The Sub-Committee considered the following evidence and representations:
The written complaint.
The Investigator’s report dated 26 May 2009, which contained evidence from interviews conducted with the subject member, the complainant, and a number of witnesses, as well as copies of relevant documents, including the minutes of the relevant meeting and the letter complained of.
Further representations made by the subject member and the Investigator at the Hearing.
Responses by the subject member and Investigator to questions posed by the Sub-Committee at the hearing.
Observations and Recommendations
The Sub-Committee strongly recommended that Standards for England should issue further guidance, including examples, relating to Paragraph 6 of the Code of Conduct.
Right of appeal
A member subject to a Standards Committee finding may apply in writing to the President of the Adjudication Panel for England for permission to appeal against that finding.
The President must receive the member’s written application within 21 days of the member receiving notice of the Standards Committee’s decision.
Produced by David Mutch, Democratic Services, Direct Line 01225 718379
david.mutch@wiltshire.gov.uk
Press enquiries to Communications, Direct Line 01225 713114/713115
Oakham Town Council OSE Result
Martin Brookes 50 Votes
Leanne Martin 94 Votes
Stan Stubbs 189 Votes
2 rejected votes
15.6% turn out
Mr Stubbs told voters he has lived in Oakham for 17 months, records show he moved into his new home 14
months ago on 25th Jun 2012 paying £215,000
It appears he resigned some time before his move from Newton Toney Parish Council and from
Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils.
A member of the public who was surprised that an unknown newcomer to the area could win over
60% of the votes cast asked a simple question of the man, who does not even reside in the ward.
"Did you do a lot of leafleting?"
Mr Stubbs replied "I am not willing to answer that"
mmm ...... is this an example of the level of transparency we can expect from Cllr Snubbs in the future?
Clearly Mr Stubbs will fit tightly into the clique.
No action to be taken over councillor's rule breach
12:36pm Thursday 1st October 2009 in NewsBy Annie Riddle
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/4659417.No_action_to_be_taken_over_councillor_s_rule_breach/
A PARISH councillor who broke the rules of his job was trying to do the best for his community, watchdogs have found.
Stan Stubbs fell foul of a clause in the code of conduct which says parish councillors should not use their position to gain an advantage for themselves or anyone else.
But the Wiltshire Council sub-committee hearing his case on Friday decided not to impose any sanction. They agreed the rules were too vaguely worded, and will ask for them to be made clearer.
Mr Stubbs is chairman of the Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils and vice-chairman of Newton Tony Parish Council.
At a meeting in October last year, the alliance was asked by Mike Hewitt, then a district councillor for Upper Bourne, Idmiston and Winterbourne, to support his bid for selection as the local Conservative candidate for Wiltshire Council.
The alliance voted by a majority to do so, and Mr Stubbs signed a letter to the 62 people involved in the selection process.
Corrinne Goodenough, who was then clerk to Allington with Boscombe Parish Council, complained to the, then, district council alleging this amounted to breaching the code.
A lawyer hired to investigate on behalf of the council felt the code had not been breached.
However, the matter ended up with Wiltshire’s standards hearing sub-committee.
On Friday, they ruled Mr Stubbs had breached paragraph 6a of the code.
However, the council issued a statement saying: “Taking everything into account, including their view that Mr Stubbs was genuinely seeking to act in the best interest of the community, they decided to take no action.
“The sub-committee also decided to recommend Standards for England to provide further guidance on this issue.”
Mr Stubbs said: “I have absolutely nothing to hide. I gave people the opportunity to decide whether to discuss the request and they agreed, with one abstention, to discuss it.
“Mr Hewitt had been a district councillor for years, had worked hard, and knew the area well. It had nothing to do with politics.”
More Articles to follow
Reference SDC-WC-05/09
Subject member
Cllr. Stan Stubbs
Complainant
Mrs. Corinne Goodenough
Hearing Sub-Committee membership
Mr I McGill CBE, Chairman (Independent)
Cllr. Malcolm Hewson (Wiltshire Council)
Cllr. R Oglesby JP (Parish Council)
Monitoring Officer
Ian Gibbons
Clerk
David Mutch
Complaint
On 8 December 2008, the Monitoring Officer of Salisbury District Council received a complaint from Mrs Corinne Goodenough regarding the alleged conduct of Councillor Stan Stubbs, a member of Newton Toney Parish Council.
The complaint alleged that Councillor Stubbs, whilst acting as chairman of the Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils (BVA), agreed that an item relating to candidate selection for the unitary authority by a political party, an item not on the agenda for the meeting of the BVA on 20 October 2008, be considered. The complaint also alleged that Councillor Stubbs subsequently wrote on behalf of the BVA, using BVA notepaper, to members of the South Wiltshire Conservative Group supporting selection of Councillor Hewitt as a candidate for a political party.
The complainant alleged that Councillor Stubbs used his position in such a manner that it breached paragraphs 6(a) and 6(b)(ii) of the Code of Conduct for Members adopted by Newton Toney Parish Council:
”6. You—
(a) must not use or attempt to use your position as a member improperly to confer on or secure for yourself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage; and;
“(b) must, when using or authorising the use by others of the resources of your authority—
ii) ensure that such resources are not used improperly for political purposes (including party political purposes);”
On 15 December 2008, the Standards Assessment Sub-Committee of Salisbury District Council decided that the complaint should be referred to the Monitoring Officer for investigation.
The Monitoring Officer of Salisbury District Council instructed Mr Simon Heald, partner of Veale Wasbrough Solicitors, to undertake the investigation on his behalf.
Following the dissolution of Salisbury District Council on 1 April 2009, the complaint became the responsibility of Wiltshire Council under transitional regulations.
In his report the Investigator found that there had not been a breach of either paragraph 6(a) or 6(b)(ii) of the Code of Conduct for Members.
On the 10 August 2009 the Investigator’s report and findings were considered by the Standards Committee’s Consideration Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee accepted the Investigator’s finding that there was no breach of paragraph 6(b)(ii) of the Code, but decided that the allegation in respect of paragraph 6(a) should proceed to a determination hearing.
A hearing was therefore conducted by the Hearing Sub-Committee of the Standards Committee of Wiltshire Council on 25 September 2009 in accordance with Regulations 18 and 19 of the Standards Committee (England) Regulations 2008
Decision
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Paragraph 6 (a) “You must not use or attempt to use your position as a member improperly to confer on or secure for yourself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage”.
The Hearing Sub-Committee found unanimously that Cllr. Stubbs’ actions, as set out in the agreed findings of fact, amounted to a breach of paragraph 6(a) of the Code of Conduct for Members.
Reasons for decision
The Sub-Committee agreed the undisputed findings of fact as set out in section 12 of the Investigator’s report, attached as appendix 1. However, contrary to the Investigator’s findings in section 14 of the report, the sub-committee considered that Cllr. Stubbs had acted improperly in writing a letter in his role as Chairman of the BVA and also as a representative of Newton Toney Parish Council in order to confer an electoral advantage on a particular person.
NO SANCTION
The Sub-Committee resolved to impose no sanction in respect of the breach in this case.
Reasons for decision
The Sub-Committee:
1. recognised the importance of the considerable public service undertaken by Parish and Town Council representatives.
2. was mindful that others were involved in these events who were not subject to this hearing.
3. recognised that Cllr. Stubbs had no access to legal advice in his capacity as Chairman of the BVA.
believed that Cllr. Stubbs was acting in the best interests of his community.
took account of the length of time it had taken for this matter to be determined.
This decision notice is sent to the complainant, the member against whom the allegation was made, the Standards Committee of Wiltshire Council, the parish councils concerned, and the Standards Board for England.
Summary of evidence considered and representations made
The Sub-Committee considered the following evidence and representations:
The written complaint.
The Investigator’s report dated 26 May 2009, which contained evidence from interviews conducted with the subject member, the complainant, and a number of witnesses, as well as copies of relevant documents, including the minutes of the relevant meeting and the letter complained of.
Further representations made by the subject member and the Investigator at the Hearing.
Responses by the subject member and Investigator to questions posed by the Sub-Committee at the hearing.
Observations and Recommendations
The Sub-Committee strongly recommended that Standards for England should issue further guidance, including examples, relating to Paragraph 6 of the Code of Conduct.
Right of appeal
A member subject to a Standards Committee finding may apply in writing to the President of the Adjudication Panel for England for permission to appeal against that finding.
The President must receive the member’s written application within 21 days of the member receiving notice of the Standards Committee’s decision.
Produced by David Mutch, Democratic Services, Direct Line 01225 718379
david.mutch@wiltshire.gov.uk
Press enquiries to Communications, Direct Line 01225 713114/713115
