The Standards Committee of Leicester City Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 6 May 2026 to discuss proposed reforms to the ethical standards regime for local government and to review recommendations from a Standards Hearing Panel. The meeting agenda also included an update on complaints made against councillors.

Proposed Reforms to the Ethical Standards Regime for Local Government

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Monitoring Officer regarding recent government consultations and proposed reforms to the ethical standards framework for local government in England. The report was intended to outline the potential implications of these reforms for Leicester City Council. The current ethical standards framework is primarily based on the Localism Act 2011, which shifted responsibility for codes of conduct and investigations to local authorities. However, concerns have been raised nationally about the limited range of sanctions available to councils, the inconsistency in how standards complaints are handled across different authorities, and a lack of public confidence in serious cases.

The government's consultation, Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England, published in December 2024, acknowledged these issues. The subsequent government response in November 2025 indicated an intention to pursue legislative reform, which would involve a partial re-centralisation of the standards framework. Key proposed changes include:

• Code of Conduct: A move from locally adopted codes to a mandatory national Code of Conduct.
• Sanctions: An expansion of available sanctions, including the power of suspension, which is currently not available.
• Standards Committees: The requirement for formal standards committees.
• Appeals: The introduction of a right of appeal to an independent body.
• Transparency: Mandatory publication of outcomes, moving beyond the variable publication of outcomes under the current system.

The report noted that these reforms are proposals and do not require immediate changes to Leicester City Council's Constitution, Code of Conduct, or standards arrangements. However, if implemented through legislation, they would necessitate a review and amendment of these existing frameworks to ensure compliance with new statutory requirements. The Monitoring Officer was scheduled to continue monitoring national developments and provide further reports as appropriate.

Standards Hearing Panel Recommendations - Complaint 11/2025

The committee was scheduled to consider recommendations from the Hearing Panel following a Standards Hearing Sub-Committee meeting held on 21 April 2026. The report detailed the findings and outcomes of this hearing, and the committee was recommended to endorse the Panel's recommendations, with or without modification. The agenda noted that this case involved Disrespectful comments of a personal nature directed at two Labour Members during speeches at Full Council, and that informal resolution had been rejected by Councillor 1, leading to proceedings before the Standards Advisory Board. The report highlighted that this case explores the scope of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) concerning freedom of expression, particularly the enhanced protection offered to political expression.

Complaints Against Councillors - May 2026

A report was scheduled to provide feedback on complaints against councillors that had been reviewed and/or determined since the previous meeting. It was also intended to update the committee on the progress of outstanding complaints. The committee was recommended to receive and note this report. The agenda indicated that complaint 11/2025, concerning disrespectful comments made by Councillor 1, was a key item. Other complaints listed included:

• Complaint 1/2026: Alleging disrespect during a ward surgery exchange, where Councillor 4 commented on Councillor 3's attendance record. The Monitoring Officer and Independent Person (MO/IP) found no evidence of a breach, deeming it reasonable for Councillor 4 to retort after being questioned in front of constituents. This case was resolved within 18 working days.
• Complaint 2/2026: Involving offensive comments made by Councillor 5 in response to a question at Full Council. This case was pending as of 27 March.
• Complaint 3/2026: An allegation of defamatory and misleading comments made by Councillor 8 during a speech at Full Council. This case was also pending as of 27 March.

The report was also expected to address the process for handling confidential complaints and the absence of a council policy on retaliation against complainants.

The committee also had scheduled items for apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 October 2025. A private session was also planned to discuss items containing exempt information, relating to individuals and deliberations of standards committees.