The Chief Executive and Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council would like to issue a message to county borough residents, particularly those living in the Cefn Fforest ward, in light of Cllr Graham Simmonds’ suspension.
Anthony O’Sullivan and Cllr Lindsay Whittle said:
“A few weeks ago, Cllr Graham Simmonds appeared before the Council’s Standards Committee to answer allegations about his inappropriate behaviour towards Caerphilly County Borough Council employees and to other councillors.
The Standards Committee found that there had been a failure to comply with the Council’s Code of Conduct for Elected Members by failing to show respect and consideration for others and for harassing officers and fellow members.
The Council has strict rules in place governing the conduct of elected members and Council staff – we at Caerphilly County Borough Council are not prepared to tolerate anyone acting in a bullying manner and allegations of this nature will be dealt with seriously.
The date for Cllr Simmonds to appeal the decision taken by the Standards Committee has now passed and therefore he is formally suspended from his position as an elected representative of this Council up to and including 21st April 2011.
This means he should have no contact with Council employees or other councillors in his elected role nor should he represent any constituents during this period”.
