| 'Witneygate' councillors cleared |
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HERE is no town hall "Witneygate" scandal. That is the verdict of officers from the Standards Board who have now completed their investigation into bullying, misuse of public money and bringing the town council into disrepute. They have cleared town mayor Chrissie Curry and her partner and fellow town councillor David Harvey against allegations brought by former town clerk Pat Nevins. It brings to an end a cloud that has been hanging over the town hall, involving resignations, claims and counter-claims, and vote of no confidence. One former councillor, Paul Slamin, termed the furore that was aroused "Witneygate" - a reference to the notorious Watergate scandal of American politics. Both Ms Currie and Mr Harvey said they welcomed the outcome and that the council could now put "a stormy period" behind them. The Standards Board released their findings after carrying out interviews with councillors and staff earlier in the summer. Ms Curry told the Gazette she was pleased and relieved to have "total vindication and clearance" from the Standard Boards inquiry. She said: "Our actions throughout this whole distasteful affair have been with the prime consideration and welfare of the council's staff in mind and to uphold the code of conduct under which councils must, and should, operate. "There is no corroboration or truth in the statement that I personally was supposed to have bullied the former town clerk and all charges, allegations and complaints of misconduct, misuse of council funds, etc, have been dismissed." She said that the stress of the past few months had been enormous. Mr Harvey, who is chairman of the town council's policy and finance committee, is also a member of West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet, with responsibility for the environment. He said: "I am delighted that the Standards Board has decided there is no case to answer and that the allegations were purely vexatious. Continued....... |
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