A TOWN council is backing plans to strengthen the code of conduct for councillors.

Councillors in Newquay were widely supportive of the government enhancing standards, which result in suspension of office for serious offences.

It follows concerns the standards in place have led to a “consequence free environment” where councillors who have been found to be breaching the code of conduct were told to apologise or receive extra training.

But other councillors highlighted fears strengthening the code of conduct could be used as a “political weapon” to get a councillor suspended through “vexatious” complaints.

Councillors backed the idea that issues could be resolved by having a standards board in place, which is independently chaired.

The town council discussed the proposal at its recent meeting following the government launching a consultation on strengthening the code of conduct for councillors.

Councillors voted to give the town clerk Andy Curtis delegated authority to collate the points made during the debate to send off as the town council’s submission.

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: “The last Conservative government created a consequence free environment for those in public office who failed the Nolan principles of high standards in public life.

“This council has had a number of examples whereby elected members can act with impunity and the only consequence is they be asked to apologise for their actions and on one case a couple of years ago the member refused and then later resigned.

“This brings the whole council and us as councillors into disrepute when members mislead or even lie or bully others in the public domain knowing there is no recourse to hold them accountable.

“I welcome this consultation and hope that it begins to detoxify our politics.”

Cllr Joanna Kenny added: “I’m worried about the six months suspension for an elected councillor as they would effectively be kicked out.

“I’m sure many of us have come across cases where standards complaints have been used as a weapon against individuals.

“It has certainly happened to me and there is nothing about the vexatious complaints that have no validity.

“I’m concerned it’s all about lets punish councillors and there is nothing to protect councillors.

“If you can get a councillor kicked out because of that then it’s appalling.

“I also feel very strongly that if you are found guilty of wrongdoing then it should be published but not otherwise.

“It’s a nonsense that it’s published when are you being accused of something and then adjudged to have not breached the code of conduct.”

Cllr Kevin Towill said: “Any process that leads to suspension or a six-month ban has to be laid out very clearly. There is a danger it can be used as a political weapon so there is that concern.”

Town councillors have also been invited to submit their own responses to the government consultation.

Cllr Joe Brook said: “I would say independent adjudication bodies need to be transparent by publishing their reasonings and justifications.

“There should also be a right of appeal.”