The Committee considered a report by the Monitoring Officer (previously circulated, now appended) attached to which was the final report and relevant documents prepared by the Investigating Officer appointed to investigate the alleged conduct of Councillor Alan Armitage.

The investigator presented his report before members of the Committee asked questions of him.  The Committee also heard from a number of witnesses who attended the hearing at the request of the investigator. Both the Committee and Councillor Armitage questioned those witnesses. Councillor Armitage made oral submissions, which were also followed by questions from the Committee.  The Committee also sought and received advice from the Independent Persons.

Having considered all of the above advice, evidence and submissions the Committee made a finding of fact that it was highly probable that Councillor Armitage did make an inappropriate comment to one of the members of the under 13s sports team.

The Committee resolved that the remark was inappropriate and disrespectful and therefore amounted to a breach of paragraph 3(1) of the Code (treating others with respect).

As the Lord Mayor attended the Awards Evening in his official capacity the Committee also concluded that the inappropriate remark had brought both the office of Lord Mayor and the City Council into disrepute. The Committee therefore decided that there had been a breach of paragraph 5 (you must not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or authority into disrepute) of the Code.

The Committee resolved that Councillor Armitage should be censured for the breach of the Code and that the Committee’s decision be reported to all members of Council.  The Committee concurred with the advice of the Independent Persons that there was no reason why Councillor Armitage should not continue to undertake the full range of his mayoral duties and noted that Councillor Armitage had given an indication that he would do so.

The full Decision Notice and redacted Investigation report is attached under decision.