Minutes of the Standards Sub-Committee
10 April 2025
Present:
Councillors:
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C. Bateson |
K.M. Grant
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K.E. Rutherford
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1/25 |
Disclosures of Interest
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There were none.
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2/25 |
Consideration of Matters in Public
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The Sub-Committee was asked whether they were in agreement to continue the Hearing without Councillor Saliagopoulos who had advised that she would not be attending.
The Sub-Committee resolved to continue the Hearing in Councillor Saliagopoulos’ absence.
The Sub-Committee was asked to determine whether the confidential report of the Independent Investigator could be considered in public. The Committee were advised that unless good reason could be shown as to why it should be considered in private, the Hearing should be held in public.
The Sub-Committee resolved that the Hearing should be held in public.
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3/25 |
Determination of the Complaints Against Councillor Saliagopoulos
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The Sub-Committee considered an allegation made by Councillor Button that Councillor Saliagopoulos had breached the Code of Conduct of the Council.
The complaint was in respect of two posts on X (formerly Twitter) that Councillor Saliagopoulos had reposted.
An investigation had been undertaken by an Independent Investigator who presented their report to the Sub-Committee. Based on the evidence provided to them, the Independent Investigator concluded that there had been a breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct as follows:
Paragraph 1.1 – I treat other councillors and members of the public with respect,
Paragraph 2.3 – I promote equalities and do not discriminate unlawfully against any person, and
Paragraph 5.1 – I do not bring my role or local authority into disrepute.
The Sub-Committee adjourned to consider their findings 11.19am and reconvened the meeting at 11.42
The Sub-Committee resolved that Councillor Saliagopoulos had breached the above sections of the Members’ Code of Conduct. In addition they also found that she had breached the following:
8.2 – I cooperate with any Code of Conduct investigation and/or determination.
The Sub-Committee sought the views of the Independent Investigator with regard to any possible sanctions that they felt would be appropriate.
The Sub-Committee adjourned at 12.01 to consider the sanctions available and reconvened the meeting at 12.30.
The Sub-Committee resolved that the following sanctions be imposed:
1. A recommendation be made to the Conservative Group Leader to remove Councillor Saliagopoulos from the position of Chair of the Investigating and Disciplinary Committee; and
2. A Motion of Censure be put to Council on 24 April 2025.
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4/25 |
Determination of Complaint against Councillor Saliagopoulos
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The Sub-Committee considered an allegation made by Councillor Williams that Councillor Saliagopoulos had breached the Code of Conduct of the Council.
The complaint was in respect of comments Councillor Saliagopoulos had made on the Staines and Ashford Talk Group on Facebook.
An investigation had been undertaken by an Independent Investigator who presented their report to the Sub-Committee. Based on the evidence provided to them, the Independent Investigator concluded that there had been a breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct as follows:
Paragraph 1.1 – I treat other councillors and members of the public with respect,
Paragraph 5.1 – I do not bring my role or local authority into disrepute.
The Sub-Committee adjourned to consider their findings 11.19am and reconvened the meeting at 11.42
The Sub-Committee resolved that Councillor Saliagopoulos had breached the above sections of the Members’ Code of Conduct. In addition they also found that she had breached the following:
8.2 – I cooperate with any Code of Conduct investigation and/or determination.
The Sub-Committee sought the views of the Independent Investigator with regard to any possible sanctions that they felt would be appropriate.
The Sub-Committee adjourned at 12.01 to consider the sanctions available and reconvened the meeting at 12.30.
The Sub-Committee resolved that the following sanctions be imposed:
1. A recommendation be made to the Conservative Group Leader to remove Councillor Saliagopoulos from the position of Chair of the Investigating and Disciplinary Committee; and
2. A Motion of Censure be put to Council on 24 April 2025.