Ex-Bexley Council leader Ian Clement should face Standards Investigation

Conservative members of Bexley’s Standards Committee have closed ranks with disgraced ex Councillor Ian Clement and refused to allow a standards investigation.

A meeting of Bexley Council’s standards committee held on Tuesday 29 September 2009 voted by six votes to three to drop any further investigation into the behaviour of ex Conservative council leader Ian Clement, on the grounds that no further information could be obtained following the audit committee report and that it would cost money to hold a further inquiry. The three who wanted an investigation were Labour Cllr Margaret O’Neill and two independent members of the committee.

Cllr Margaret O’Neill said:

“I was absolutely staggered that the Conservative members did not agree to complete transparency and propose a standards investigation of the case in which Mr Clement was given a purchasing card without any other member knowing. His misuse of the card – which was used for personal use – could be seen to bring the office of councillor and Bexley Council into disrepute.”