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Office Of Administration And Hearings

Media Statement

Written Decision Of The Hearing Panel Issued Friday 05 November 2004

The Standards Commission for Scotland confirms its Hearing Panel finding that Councillor Terry Kelly breached the principles of leadership and respect set out in section 2 of the Councillors' Code of Conduct during a meeting of Renfrewshire Council on 04 December 2003. Councillor Kelly accepted that at the meeting he had used the words "village idiots" and "workshy incompetents" in referring to SNP Councillors. The Panel concluded that the terms used by Councillor Kelly were a breach of the Code because he failed to show respect to fellow Councillors.

The Panel further concluded that Councillor Kelly's actions were a breach of the Code because he failed to demonstrate leadership by failing to support the principles of the Code by good example. He failed to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the Council and its Councillors in conducting public business.

Councillor Terry Kelly has been censured in terms of section 19(1)(a) of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and there will be no further action taken.

Councillor Kelly has received the Hearing Panel's written decision.

Case Reference: LA/R/34

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