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Lib Dem councillor breaches sexual harassment code

Devon County Council takes strongest possible measure against Brian Greenslade

Devon County Council has taken serious action against a long-standing Liberal Democrat councillor who was runner up as an independent candidate in the first Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner election in 2012. The council has published a lengthy statement that censures Councillor Brian Greenslade for sexual misconduct against female members of council staff. It says: "The sustained and repeated sexual harassment of female members of staff and abuse of his position as a senior and established member of the Council over a prolonged period fell well short of the conduct that can reasonably be expected of an elected member.

"Councillor Greenslade’s lack of insight into how his actions may have affected the female members of staff and his indifference to that effect of his actions is of serious concern as are his actions during the investigation which demonstrated that he was prepared to put his own credibility and reputation above his responsibilities to the Council, its staff and his constituents. This continued poor behaviour falls far below the standards that can reasonably be expected, either by a councillor or anyone." 


The Committee called on Liberal Democrat leader Alan Connett to remove Councillor Greenslade from all committees, sub-committees and outside bodies. His access to council buildings is now restricted. The decision to censure Mr Greenslade was made after an independent investigation by a leading QC Tim Straker. 

Chair of the Standards Committee Councillor Caroline Chugg said: “The weight of evidence was such that we could reach no other conclusion than to find Councillor Greenslade in clear breach of our Code of Conduct. I am sad to say that this investigation revealed a clear pattern of behaviour by Councillor Greenslade that can only be described as highly inappropriate and likely to cause offence and distress. As a senior politician this was a clear abuse of his position with conduct that falls far short of that expected of those in public office.” 

Chief Executive Phil Norrey says: “We take our duty to provide a safe workplace free from all forms of harassment very seriously and have always promoted and championed the highest standards of personal conduct both from our staff and elected members. We have clear policies and guidelines on what is, and what is not, acceptable behaviour and robust procedures for ensuring all complaints involving such behaviour are dealt with thoroughly and fairly.”

Leader of the Lib Dem Group in Devon, Alan Connett said:“I offer my sincere and whole-hearted apology to all staff employed by Devon County Council who have experienced any form of inappropriate behaviour, whether from their colleagues or councillors. I am calling for a full, widespread and independent review of the County Council’s culture and behaviours along with the immediate implementation of training and awareness for ALL staff and councillors. 

"The Lib Dems will meet later this month to consider the committee's recommendations. Cllr Greenslade will have the opportunity to comment on the complaint which led to the investigation. Devon County Council did not permit him to attend the meeting of the standards committee. Indeed, the meeting was held at a time when the County Council knew Cllr Greenslade would be absent on a long-planned holiday. Councillor Greenslade had asked for the meeting to be held at a time he could attend, and for permission to speak at the meeting. Both were refused. 

"I became leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition at Devon County Council in 2014. At no time since then has the council’s chief executive, solicitor, or any other officer raise a concern with me about councillor behaviour. Devon County Council may well have a hidden culture of ‘see nothing, say nothing, hear nothing’ and we need to be clear that managers and councillors must not ‘turn a blind eye’ if a member of staff or customer of the council is concerned about the behaviour displayed to them."

Since 2011, councils have not had the power to disqualify or suspend councillors. 


 

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