The Audit Hearings Sub-Committee of Doncaster Council was scheduled to consider an investigating officer's report concerning complaints against Councillor Michael Glynn of Hatfield Town Council. The meeting's agenda also included the minutes from a previous meeting and procedural matters regarding public and press exclusion.

Consideration of the Investigating Officer's Report Regarding Complaints Against Councillor Michael Glynn

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the consideration of an investigating officer's report concerning allegations against Councillor Michael Glynn of Hatfield Town Council. This report, prepared by Neil Concannon, Head of Litigation & Regulatory and Deputy Monitoring Officer for City of Doncaster Council, detailed two separate matters.

Complaint 1: This complaint stemmed from a statement allegedly posted by Councillor Glynn on his Facebook page and a Hatfield Residents WhatsApp page. The statement, made under the name Mick Glynn, was addressed to Dunscroft residents and concerned the local council elections for Dunscroft. It alleged that Mr. Kenneth Knight had forfeited his seat and subsequently called for another election with malice aforethought in an attempt to bankrupt Hatfield Town Council. The statement also described Mr. Knight as one of the most vile human beings I have ever met. Three formal complaints were submitted regarding this matter by Mrs. Catherine Holt, Mr. Paul Jagger MBE, and Mr. Kenneth Knight. The investigating officer's report found that Councillor Glynn's post breached paragraphs 1.1 (treating members of the public with respect) and 5.1 (not bringing his role or the Council into disrepute) of the Hatfield Town Council Member Code of Conduct.

Complaint 2: This complaint involved four separate formal complaints made by Hatfield Town Council Councillors Linda Curran and Debbie Smith, and two other complainants who wished to remain anonymous. These complaints related to events at a Hatfield Town Council meeting on 26th September 2025, which Councillor Glynn chaired. It was alleged that Councillor Glynn threatened to hit Councillor Curran with a gavel and referred to knocking some sense into her. The investigating officer's report found that Councillor Glynn's conduct breached paragraphs 1.1 (treating other councillors with respect) and 2.1 (not bullying any person) of the Hatfield Town Council Member Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, the investigating officer found that Councillor Glynn had failed to comply with the Code of Conduct investigation and had not complied with previous sanctions imposed on him by the Audit Committee Hearings Sub-Committee on 22nd January 2019 and 18th March 2025.

The report indicated that the Sub-Committee was requested to consider the investigating officer's report and determine if Councillor Glynn had breached the Code of Conduct, and if so, to agree on the appropriate course of action. The report outlined potential sanctions that could be recommended to Hatfield Town Council, including censoring or reprimanding the councillor, publishing findings, recommending training, or recommending exclusion from council premises.

The meeting was scheduled to be chaired by Councillor Jason Charity, with Councillors Gemma Cobby and Jane Cox also serving as members of the Audit Hearings Sub-Committee. Co-opted members Monica Clarke and Dave Harle were also in attendance. Scott Fawcus, the Council's Monitoring Officer, was present to provide legal advice. Jonathan Goodrum served as the Governance Services Officer for the meeting.