Thanet District Council
| Case no. | SBE18388.07 |
| Member: | Councillor Sandy Ezekiel |
| Authority: | Thanet District Council |
| Date received: | 11 May 2007 |
Allegation:
The member failed to treat others with respect and brought their office or authority into disrepute.
Standards Board outcome:
The ethical standards officer considered that in the circumstances of this case, no further action needs to be taken.
The complainant, a member of Thanet District Council, alleged that after attending the ‘Mayor’s Retiring Ball’ on 14 April 2007, Councillor Sandy Ezekiel swore loudly, used abusive language and behaved aggressively towards the retiring mayor, called another member a “f***ing w***er” and adopted a threatening attitude towards the town sergeant, a member of the public who carries various ceremonial duties.
The ethical standards officer considered that the events were largely a dispute between two members, started by the retiring mayor, which was escalated by other members joining in. There were several different accounts of the sequence of events. The ethical standards officer noted that some of the witnesses’ accounts apparently differed according to the political affiliations of those involved, so she gave particular weight to the evidence of those present who had no personal or political links with the retiring mayor or Councillor Ezekiel.
The ethical standards officer concluded, based to a significant extent on Councillor Ezekiel’s own evidence, that Councillor Ezekiel had been offensive and discourteous towards the retiring mayor and another councillor. The available evidence was not sufficient for her to reach a conclusion about the allegation of threatening behaviour towards the town sergeant.
The ethical standards officer took the view that a number of members had generally behaved inappropriately during the incident. While she did not excuse Councillor Ezekiel’s conduct, the ethical standards officer found that under the circumstances, no further action was necessary.Relevant paragraphs of the Code of Conduct
The allegation in this case relates to Paragraphs 2(b) and 4 of the Code of Conduct.
Paragraph 2(b) states that a member must "treat others with respect".
Paragraph 4 states that "a member must not in his official capacity, or any other circumstance, conduct himself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his office or authority into disrepute".
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