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.”

Under the Standards Board for England code, Mr Clement could be investigated for breaching the code of conduct. It is forbidden to act in a manner which would being the office or authority into disrepute and ensure that the authority’s resources are not used improperly. If an investigation is held Mr Clement could be banned from holding office in Bexley for up to five years.

Cllr Margaret O’Neill added:

“The integrity of not just Bexley Council but all local government is at stake here. The people of Bexley deserve that their administration, which constantly says it is listening, should be willing to see the case through to the end. I shall be making a complaint against Mr Clement’s activities and call upon Bexley’s standards investigating officer to investigate this.”

Conservative councillors agreed unanimously that it would cause extra expense. One member commented that Mr Clement had seen the break up of his home and his job.