A PARISH councillor says she won't be standing down after a committee meeting found her responsible for breaching the local authority’s code of conduct.

Hughenden Cllr Linda Derrick had three complaints issued against her over the way she treated other employees.

Buckinghamshire Council heard how she posted online blog comments in criticism of the same employee.

Cllr Derrick:

  • made unreasonable requirements that a witness be present for her meetings with another employee and that meetings between them be recorded.
  • posted online blog comments in criticism of the same employee 
  • Failing to treat each officer with respect in all three cases.  
  • actions in the first and third complaints were bullying in nature, given the distress caused.  

The proposed sanctions from the sub-committee suggested Cllr Derrick was excluded from accessing to Hughenden Parish Council’s premises with the exception to attend formal meetings until she has undertaken the recommended training. 

Following the breach of conduct hearing, Cllr Derrick affirmed she will not be resigning and will continue to represent constituents to the 'best of her ability'.

In a statement to the BFP, she said: "I am committed to openness and accountability to the electorate.  So, in January I provided detailed, factual accounts of the seven complaints made against me to the Monitoring Officer at Bucks Council under Hughenden Parish Council’s Code of Conduct. 

Cllr Derrick claims she challenged a transfer of 'allotment land which was given away unlawfully to a charity'.

She also made a claim that taxpayers' money was being paid to the law firm representing the charity, at the time. 

Her complaint to the council in January about these events then led to complaints being made against her.

Cllr Derrick defended herself by saying: "I do not believe I have breached the Code of Conduct. 

"I would advise other councillors, particularly those like me who are not members of the Conservative party, to read my blogs and see what BC thinks constitutes a breach.   

"I will not be resigning as a councillor and will continue to represent my constituents to the best of my ability."