The Standards Committee of Camden Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to review the annual monitoring of Code of Conduct complaints against members for the 2025-26 period, and to receive updates on various standards matters. The committee also reviewed the record of standards information and guidance issued to members.

Annual Monitoring of Code of Conduct Complaints Against Members 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from the Borough Solicitor providing an update on Code of Conduct complaints against Members during the 2025/26 municipal year. The report indicated that the number of complaints remained low, with seven received during the period. It noted that one complaint proceeded to investigation but was resolved informally with a written apology. Other complaints were either withdrawn, not pursued by the complainant, or deemed not to constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct. The report highlighted that Camden has traditionally avoided politically motivated complaints. The Independent Persons, Maggie Redfern and Sue Terry, were noted for their constructive input and availability.

Update on Standards Matters - June 2026

This report, also from the Borough Solicitor, was scheduled to bring to the committee's attention recent matters concerning standards. Key points included an update on the publication of home addresses in Registers of Interests. Following wider concerns about councillor safety, legislation was due to come into effect from 29 June 2026, requiring that a councillor's residential address not be published in the public register unless explicitly requested. Home addresses would still be disclosed and held in a separate internal register.

The report also mentioned updates from the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC), which replaced the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) in October 2025. The EIC aims to promote high standards in public life and had published an updated report in April 2026 mapping the standards landscape in the UK.

The report also detailed audit findings from Teignbridge District Council, where external auditors had recommended addressing abusive behaviour towards officers and councillors during meetings. It also highlighted a recommendation regarding access to information and confidentiality. The Borough Solicitor's comments noted that abusive behaviour would breach the Councillor Code of Conduct and that Camden does not traditionally have a culture of poor conduct from councillors during meetings.

Several standards cases from other councils were also scheduled for discussion:

• Wokingham Borough Council: Councillor Stuart Munro was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by participating in determining a planning application after objecting to it in a consultation response. The Borough Solicitor's comment emphasised the importance of objectivity and approaching decisions with an open mind, particularly in planning and licensing.
• Tameside Council: Five councillors and one former councillor were found to have breached the Code of Conduct for their involvement in a WhatsApp group that included offensive content. The Borough Solicitor's comment clarified that the Code of Conduct applies when a councillor acts in that capacity, including electronic communications.
• Leicestershire County Council: Councillor Charles Whitford was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by sending bullying and intimidating emails to residents. The Borough Solicitor's comment stressed that all communications should be respectful and align with the Code of Conduct.
• Leicester City Council: Councillor Patrick Kitterick was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by failing to treat others with respect at a Full Council meeting. The Borough Solicitor's comment noted the obligation for members to behave respectfully while balancing this with the right to express views.
• North Yorkshire Council: Councillor Andrew Lee breached the Code of Conduct regarding the use of council resources, including a council pool car for personal business. The Borough Solicitor's comment referred to Camden's Code of Conduct obliging members not to misuse council resources.

Standards Information and Guidance Record

This report, also from the Borough Solicitor, was scheduled to set out the record of standards information and guidance issued to Members of the Council. The report detailed the constitutional guidance, including the Members' Code of Conduct, the procedure for dealing with complaints, the Members' Gifts and Hospitality Protocol, the Member/Officer Protocol, Use of Information Technology Guidance, and Social Media Guidelines for councillors. It also listed other guidance issued, such as post-election standards briefings, reminders about registering interests, and advice on communicating during planning committee meetings. The report noted that following the election on 7 May 2026, all Members received a Register of Interests pack and a presentation on standards matters.