The Constitution and Ethics Committee of Leicestershire County Council met on Monday 13 July 2026, electing Dan Harrison as Chair and Stuart Bray as Vice-Chair. The committee reviewed and approved updates to the Members' Code of Conduct complaints procedure and the Independent Persons Protocol, and also discussed new guidance on monetised social media accounts for councillors.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The meeting began with the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair. Following a ballot, Councillor Dan Harrison was elected Chair, and Councillor Stuart Bray was elected Vice-Chair.

Terms of Reference and Charity Trustee Role

The committee noted its terms of reference, which include oversight of the council's constitution, member conduct, and the council's role as a charity trustee. A report was presented outlining the committee's responsibilities when the council acts as a charity trustee, emphasising the need to prioritise the charity's best interests. The committee resolved to receive a further report detailing where the council acts as a charity trustee at its next meeting.

Update on the Operation of the Members' Code of Conduct

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the operation of the Members' Code of Conduct complaints process. The committee was informed of an increase in complaints, with 87 received between October 2025 and June 2026. These complaints covered themes such as social media comments, written communications, and allegations of disrespect, bullying, and disrepute.

The committee discussed the impact of the increased complaint volume on officer time and financial resources. It was noted that many complaints were closed at the initial assessment stage, while others were resolved informally through apologies, advice, or training. One set of linked complaints proceeded to a formal hearing, resulting in breaches of the code being found and sanctions imposed.

The committee approved amendments to the Members' Code of Conduct complaints procedure and a revised Independent Persons Protocol. It was agreed that more frequent update reports would be presented to the committee while complaint volumes remain elevated, and that future reports would include information on the cost of external investigations. The committee also formally thanked the Independent Persons for their commitment.

Concerns were raised about the clarity of informal resolutions and the perceived lack of effective sanctions. The Monitoring Officer, Fiona McMillan, explained that national guidance dictates that a breach can only be formally found after a full process, but acknowledged that informal resolutions often involve an acceptance that behaviour was not acceptable. The role of political group leaders and whips in setting the tone and addressing conduct within their groups was also highlighted as crucial, particularly in the absence of stronger sanctions.

The committee also discussed the source of complaints, with data indicating that the majority originated from members of the public and employees, rather than being politically motivated. The importance of balancing freedom of expression with the obligations under the Code of Conduct was a recurring theme.

Social Media Guidance for Members

The committee reviewed the council's existing social media guidance for members and concluded that it remains fit for purpose. A supplementary advice note on monetised social media accounts was approved. This note advises members that receiving income or financial benefit from online activity, such as advertising or sponsorship, may constitute a registrable or declarable interest and requires careful consideration of the Register of Interests. The guidance will be circulated to all members, and they will be encouraged to review their registers accordingly.

Update on Proposed National Changes to the Local Government Ethical Standards Framework

The committee received an update on proposed national changes to the local government ethical standards framework. These reforms include a mandatory national code of conduct, formal standards committees, a local right of review, and new sanctions such as suspension and premises bans. While the detailed legislation has not yet been published, the direction of travel indicates a significant strengthening of the standards system. The council's existing structure, with the Constitution and Ethics Committee already established, places it in a good position to adapt to these changes.

The committee also noted a national change regarding the publication of members' home addresses in registers of interest, which took effect from 29 June 2026. The council had already implemented a similar local protocol to remove home addresses from public registers by default, balancing transparency with privacy and safety. The committee agreed that public register wording, member guidance, and internal processes would be updated to reflect the new legislation. Officers were requested to review member training arrangements in light of the proposed national reforms, with a further report to follow once more detailed national guidance is available.

Future Meetings

The dates for future meetings of the Constitution and Ethics Committee were confirmed.