Purpose

To consider allegations of breaches of the Code Of Conduct for elected members.

Decision

Reference: 2025/2006

Subject Member: Councillor Joe Harris, Cotswold District Council

Complainant: Councillor Tom Stowe, Cotswold District Council

Independent Person: Rob Cawley

Assessment undertaken by: Angela Claridge, Monitoring Officer.

Following receipt of the investigation report, the Monitoring Officer consulted with the Independent Person who concluded on 15 April 2026, that the evidence does not demonstrate that Councillor Harris failed to comply with the Code of Conduct.

Accordingly, it is determined that no breach of the Code is established.

The decision is reached for the following reasons:

·         The Code does not prohibit members from suggesting potential suppliers, provided they do not participate in, or improperly influence, procurement decisions.

·         There is insufficient evidence to conclude that Councillor Harris used his position improperly or compromised officer impartiality.

·         The procedural shortcomings identified relate to officer conduct and systems rather than member behaviour.

·         No undeclared interest or conflict is established that affected, or could reasonably be perceived as affecting, the procurement outcome.

·         Taken collectively, the evidence does not meet the threshold required to substantiate a breach of the Code.

The finding of no breach should not be interpreted as endorsement of the procurement process itself, which has been the subject of separate review and recommendations.

In reaching a decision, the Monitoring Officer and Independent Person have had regard to:

·         External investigation report and appendices

·         Internal audit and governance reports

·         The written complaint and written response

·         Interview notes with the Subject Member

This decision has been reached following a proportionate investigation, based on the evidence available, and in accordance with the Council’s adopted procedures.

Reasons for the decision

Reasons

In reaching a decision, the Monitoring Officer and Independent Person have had regard to:

a)    External investigation report and appendices

b)    Internal audit and governance reports

c)    The written complaint and written response

d)    Interview notes with the Subject Member

This decision has been reached following a proportionate investigation, based on the evidence available, and in accordance with the Council’s adopted procedures