Frodsham councillor “failed to show others respect”

AN independent investigation into the conduct of outspoken Frodsham councillor Tom Reynolds has concluded that it has fallen below that expected of those in public office.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Standards Complaints Panel decided unanimously that in an email sent on November 2 last year, Cllr Reynolds failed to comply with Frodsham Town Council’s Member Code of Conduct which requires that members treat others with respect.
Cllr Reynolds has responded by saying he wishes to appeal against what he calls  the “biased” decision.
He said: “We are one step closer to a Judicial Review.”
The investigation arises from a complaint made by Cllr Andrew Dawson and Cllr Lynn Riley, members of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) that in an email of November 2 last year, Cllr Reynolds made false accusations against them implying they had acted “inappropriately and heedless of conflict of interest” in relation to Frodsham Town Council’s decision to move its office to the ground floor of Castle Park House.
They also alleged this was part of a “sustained pattern of unjustified, vitriolic abuse, harassment and disparagement.”
As a result, CW&C  arranged an investigation by an independent investigator who concluded that Cllr Reynolds had failed to comply with the Town Council’s code of conduct because he had failed to show others respect in his email.
The investigator, Alex Oram, added: “I would strongly encourage Cllr Reynolds to reflect on his use of email in general, in particular whether his approach is conducive to encouraging constructive communication.”
The matter was then referred to CW&C’s Standards Complaints Panel who heard representations from Mr Oram, Cllr Reynolds and Cllr Dawson.
Cllr Reynolds did not dispute sending the email which alleged the complainants had acted improperly and illegally. He did not provide any evidence to support the allegations and when asked if he would withdraw the email  said he would not.
While Cllr Reynolds might consider his intentions good, the email content was hostile, unjustified, abusive and inaccurate.
The panel recommended that  Cllr Reynold’s behaviour should be censured by the Town Council and that they arrange suitable training for him so that he has a clear understanding of the ways in which queries and concerns could be raised,  acceptable standards of behaviour as a town councillor and the Localism Act 2011.
The panel also recommended that Cllr Reynolds carefully consider the circulation list for emails and limit it to those involved in the matter.