Newark Town Council approve new council code of conduct despite criticism that it is “as valuable as a chocolate teapot”
A council has adopted a new code of conduct despite strong criticism from some councillors.
This week, Newark Town Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee met to discuss an updated code of conduct which lays out how councillors should behave.
All councillors recognised the need for such a document and voted unanimously to approve it, however, many criticised it for not being strict enough.
Paul Taylor said: “I support this, but it is about as valuable as a chocolate teapot.”
He argued that many codes of conduct within local politics were not effective as tools for preventing bad behaviour and needed to go further.
This was echoed by Susan Crosby, who said: ”I don’t think it is worth the paper it is written on.”
Tom Collier said: “It does lack teeth at the moment.
“But it is useful as it gives the public a chance to understand and highlight poor behaviour.”
This was an aspect that other councillors reflected on, including Lisa Geary who said it was important for upholding honesty and integrity.
Next Tuesday (October 15), Newark and Sherwood District Council will also be reflecting on the behaviour of councillors.
Full council will discuss a motion which aims to encourage councillors “to take a good hard look at [themselves] and how [they] are perceived by others.”