A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE councillor has issued a public apology to a colleague after a perceived ‘insult to their integrity’ compelled them to resign from a planning committee.

Cllr Marten Clarke withdrew from a West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, broadcast on Tuesday, January 5, after fellow Conservative Cllr Chris Whitehead challenged him on an alleged personal interest.

Cllr Whitehead asked chairperson Cllr Julia Adey whether Cllr Clarke should have declared an interest because the ward member challenging the planning application at the time was his wife, Cllr Mrs Lesley Clarke.

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When the matter of Cllr Mr Clarke’s alleged personal interest was pressed, he made the decision to quickly leave the broadcast.

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: Cllr Whitehead could be seen smiling during Cllr Mr Clarke’s statement at the time.

“This is the second time my integrity has been impugned at this meeting,” said Cllr Mr Clarke at the time. “I am a justice of the peace and have been obliged to take a decision based on the evidence presented to me.

“I feel that this is an insult to my integrity and therefore I resign from the committee forthwith.”

Cllr Whitehead could be seen smiling during Cllr Mr Clarke’s statement at the time.

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At the time, Cllr Mrs Clarke said: “I find it quite insulting that people seem to think that I have that hold over my husband – I only wish I had, because I can assure you I do not.”

Cllr Whitehead has since issued this apology: “At the last planning committee, I made a comment in the chat bar that could have been construed as maligning the integrity of Cllr Marten Clarke and his wife.

“Cllr Clarke…felt compelled to resign from the committee. Let me be quite clear, I have the greatest respect for both Cllr Mr and Mrs Clarke, and I apologise unreservedly for my comment and the distress it caused them.

“I hope he now feels able to withdraw his resignation and continue to offer his wise counsel to the committee.”

In response, Cllr Mr Clarke said: “Thank you, Chris Whitehead, for your apology. I hope all is now forgiven and forgotten.”

“Of course it is,” replied Cllr Whitehead.

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