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 was also scheduled to consider 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 received in Camden remained low, with seven complaints lodged during this period. This trend has been consistent over recent years. The report detailed that one complaint proceeded to investigation, resulting in an informal resolution with a written apology from the Subject Member. Other complaints were either withdrawn, not pursued by the complainant, or deemed not to constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct by the Borough Solicitor and an Independent Person. The report also 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 was scheduled to bring to Members' 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safety, legislation was due to come into effect from 29 June 2026, requiring that a councillor's residential address not be published in the public register unless explicitly requested.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 the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) on 31 October 2025, which replaced the Committee on Standards in Public Life and aims to promote high standards in public life. An updated EIC report mapping the standards landscape in the UK was published in April 2026.

The report also included audit findings from Teignbridge District Council, where external auditors had recommended addressing abusive behaviour towards officers and councillors during meetings for a second time. A recommendation regarding access to information and breaches of confidentiality was also repeated. 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 were also highlighted:

• 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 Panel instructed the Monitoring Officer to provide training to the councillor. The Borough Solicitor's comment emphasised the importance of objectivity and approaching decisions with an open mind, particularly for regulatory functions like planning.
• 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 independent investigator concluded that the councillors were acting in their official capacity. The Hearing Panel recommended sanctions including censure, removal from committees, and mandatory training. The Borough Solicitor's comment stressed that the Code of Conduct applies when a councillor acts in that capacity, including electronic communication.
• Leicestershire County Council: Councillor Charles Whitford was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by sending bullying and intimidating emails to residents. The Panel determined breaches regarding treating members of the public with respect, not bullying or harassing, promotion of equalities, and not bringing the role into disrepute. Sanctions included formal censure and a public apology. The Borough Solicitor's comment highlighted that all communications should be respectful and aligned with the Code of Conduct.
• Leicester City Council: Councillor Patrick Kitterick was found to have breached the Code of Conduct for failing to treat others with respect at a Full Council meeting. Sanctions included a written apology and attendance at training. The Borough Solicitor's comment noted the obligation for Members to behave respectfully while balancing this with the right to express and challenge 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 and mileage claims. He was ordered to reimburse the Council and return his mobile phone. Recommendations were made for all Members with council-issued mobile phones to return them and for Members to require Monitoring Officer authorisation for council pool cars. The Borough Solicitor's comment referenced Camden's Code of Conduct obliging Members not to misuse council resources.

Standards Information and Guidance Record

The committee was scheduled to review the record of standards information and guidance issued to Members of the Council. This report aimed to provide a record of when guidance has been updated and/or issued to Members. Following the election on 7 May 2026, all Members received a Register of Interests pack and a presentation on standards matters, including the Councillor Code of Conduct and accompanying updated protocols. The report noted that no further guidance was currently scheduled to be issued, other than as a result of other reports before the Committee. Members were invited to suggest any areas where guidance might be reviewed or reissued. The appendix to the report detailed a comprehensive list of constitutional guidance, including the Members' Code of Conduct, Dealing with Misconduct Complaints, Members' Gifts and Hospitality Protocol, Member/Officer Protocol, Use of Information Technology Guidance, and Social Media Guidelines for Councillors. It also listed other guidance issued via email and presentations, such as post-election standards briefings, reminders about registering interests, and advice on related party transactions.