Liberal Democrats leader's column: "There is no sanction or punishment for councillors who step out of line - and this has to stop"

Andy Kelly is the leader of the local Liberal Democrats party in Rochdale and a councillor for Milnrow & Newhey.

This month he dedicates his column to discussing elected councillors' behaviour, and a need for sanctions to those who break the Code of Conduct.

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It’s a month since the local elections and already we are into the cut and thrust of Rochdale politics.

Last week, all councillors were invited to the Code of Conduct training session where we had an hour online advice from a solicitor about the dos and don’ts of being an elected member - how to conduct yourself in public and with fellow councillors and staff, declaring interests in any decisions you’re part of, declaring gifts and donations - you get the gist. It’s referred to in some circles as the “Don’t be a d*ck training”.

The problem with it is that there is little or no consequence to anyone who breaches the rules.

In the time I have been councillor I have seen elected members who have voted twice, threatened to pull funding if people don’t vote Labour, failed to declare privately funded trips to France, failed to declare free hospitality at sports events - the list goes on.

And this week, we are hearing allegations that two different Labour councillors are being investigated for harassment - and the hierarchy knew about it before the local elections and kept it quiet.

It never seems to stop.

If these incumbent councillors are found to have breached the code in this manner, then they must resign from council immediately.

They do no favours for the reputation of the Rochdale borough and incredible damage to the reputation and faith of the people who live here.

And this is only the things we know about. What other skeletons are awaiting in closets?

There is a fundamental fault in the constitution of Rochdale Borough Council that means that there is no sanction or punishment for councillors who step out of line. The standards board is just a toothless animal that has no power or punishment. The harshest that can happen is being put on a training course it seems.

It has to stop.

Elected members across the board need to recognise that they are not beyond reproach and need to agree a new set of rules with consequences. Otherwise I can guarantee we will be here again tomorrow, next week, next month etc.