30 October 2009
County Member reported to the Public Services Ombudsman
County Member reported to the Public Services Ombudsman
County Counillor Arian Hobson
The Clerk to the Community Council has submitted a complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman that the local County Council Member, Adrian Hobson, has breached the Code of Conduct for elected members by publishing untrue statements and making false allegation in respect of the Community Council and its Clerk.
The County Council’s own Monitoring Officer has already investigated allegations made by Councillor Hobson and found that there was no basis to his claims.
However, Councillor Hobson has refused to withdraw his allegations.
Commenting on the complaint the Clerk to the Council said “Whilst it is fully recognised that Council Hobson has a legitimate right to oppose decisions of the Community Council and to engage in political opposition to its members such actions must be truthful in its content,
As some of the claims made imply criminal actions the Councillor has been requested to report any evidence that he has to the police. However, he has chosen not to do so.
It will now be a matter for the Public Service Ombudsman to investigate the complaints, determine the truth and take whatever action he sees fit in respect of these matters”.