INDEPENDENT Cllr. Stuart Mann has welcomed tough new powers being introduced by the Government to help clean up local politics.
Following a consultation across the Local Government sector, the Government is introducing sweeping reforms to strengthen standards and rebuild confidence in local government, giving local authorities new powers to suspend councillors and mayors for serious misconduct and to withhold allowances where behaviour falls short.
Cllr Mann said: “‘As someone who first entered local politics in the hope of making it better for our town and its people, I welcome the sentiment and intention behind the Government’s proposals to strengthen standards and conduct in local government. High standards of behaviour, integrity and transparency are essential if we are to maintain public confidence in those elected to serve their communities.
“However, this must not come at the expense of free speech or undermine the ability of councillors—particularly independents and those in opposition—to challenge, question and hold others to account in a fair and respectful way. Constructive scrutiny and open debate are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy, not something to be feared or suppressed.
“At the same time, it is clear to me that persistent rock-throwing, name-calling and social-media attention-seeking do nothing to raise standards or improve decision-making.
“There is no need to end a perfectly reasonable and valid political point with a sly dig at the opposition—it weakens the argument and disrespects the residents we all serve.
“Such behaviour, whether online or in meetings, only creates division, fuels mistrust and too often drives away those who simply want to make a difference.
“As the saying goes, “When the debate is lost, the tool of the fool is slander.”
Cllr. Mann added: “At parish and town council level, especially, most councillors are volunteers who give up their time freely in the hope of making their villages and neighbourhoods better for everyone. They deserve respect and fair treatment, even where opinions differ.
“As the 2024 Warrington local elections showed—and in particular the worrying number of uncontested parish seats—many good people appear to have concluded that “it just isn’t worth the abuse.” That is deeply concerning, and it speaks to the need for cultural change, not just new rules.
“The challenge now is to ensure that any strengthened framework protects both integrity and participation: setting clear expectations and accountability, while safeguarding the freedom to speak openly, disagree respectfully and represent our communities without fear or favour.
“If the reforms achieve that balance—firm on standards but fair to those who serve—then they will be a step forward not just for councillors, but for democracy itself.”
The Government’s plans for a wholesale reform of the current standards regime were announced yesterday, Tuesday, by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed. It will see the government tackling widespread concerns head-on. This includes the inconsistent use of rules on behaviour and the lack of effective sanctions for those who breach their codes of conduct, which has undermined people’s confidence in local government for too long.
This year alone, two separate councillors were convicted of serious offences and remained in post until receiving prison sentences because there were no powers to suspend them.
Rooting out bad actors within local authorities and providing the powers to quickly deal with misbehaviour will mean that focus can remain firmly on delivering for residents.
The Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said: “I know firsthand the dedication and talent within our local authorities up and down the country.
“But when a small minority behave badly, it’s a disservice to those hardworking councillors and to taxpayers – distracting from the incredible work happening in our communities every day.
“We must clean up local politics by rooting out those who bring the system into disrepute. These reforms will give councils and mayoral authorities the power to do exactly that.”
The consultation response outlines the government’s proposals to strengthen sanctions available to local authorities, including new powers to suspend councillors for serious misconduct for up to six months and withholding allowances, ensuring taxpayers’ money is not wasted on councillors who are in breach of the code of conduct.
Crucially, a mandatory code of conduct will apply to all types and tiers of local authority in England, ensuring that everyone, everywhere is held to the same high standard.
Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern, added: “The vast majority of councillors are dedicated public servants working hard for their communities. These reforms will raise the bar and ensure swift, fair action where it’s needed most.
“Residents deserve the highest standards from their representatives, and those standing for election deserve more back up when things go wrong.
“With Town Hall austerity for the poorest places, and rising abuse, being a local councillor is harder than ever. But our country needs local leaders who will stand up for people. These changes are the first step on the road to recovery for local democracy.
“These measures will help create a safer, more respectful environment that builds trust and helps attract the best and brightest talent into local government, giving residents the representation they deserve.”
The proposed reforms will also respond to challenges faced by local authorities since the 2011 Localism Act came into effect , which has left councils’ hands tied in instances of handling misconduct, allowing councillors under criminal investigation for sexual assault and harassment to remain in post.
The consultation revealed widespread support for change, with 94% of the 2,094 respondents backing a mandatory code of conduct and 86% supporting powers to suspend councillors for serious breaches.
The government response confirms its intention to legislate to introduce these measures alongside a requirement for principal authorities to establish and maintain standards committees, interim suspension powers, support for complainants, and a national appeals function.
The measures go hand-in-hand with the government’s wider reform agenda to empower local areas through devolution and the grassroots revolution via the landmark Pride in Place strategy – delivering on a decade of national renewal.
