Councillor suspended over conduct

Councillor Charles Ingle has been suspended for 10 months

A councillor in East Lothian has been suspended for 10 months for being "grossly inappropriate" and showing "disrespect" to employees.

Independent councillor Charles Ingle was charged with three breaches of the Councillors' Code of Conduct.

East Lothian Council officials said they would not "tolerate, bullying harassment, intimidation" in the workplace.

It follows a two day hearing held by the Standards Commission for Scotland.

The ruling means Cllr Ingle is barred from attending council and committee meetings.

We are pleased that this independent hearing has found Cllr Ingle guilty on all there charges brought against him John Lindsay East Lothian Council

He can, however, continue to represent his constituents by phoning or e-mailing officials or meeting them by prior appointment.

Ingle was originally elected to the council as a Labour member. But became Independent Labour in May 2003.

John Lindsay, East Lothian Council chief executive, said: "Cllr Ingle's behaviour to council staff has been proven to be grossly inappropriate and showed both discourtesy and disrespect to employees.

"We are pleased that this independent hearing has found Cllr Ingle guilty on all there charges brought against him.

"East Lothian Council normally has excellent working relationships between elected members and council staff working together for the good of the county and the council will not tolerate, bullying, harassment, intimidation or other inappropriate behaviour in the workplace."

The suspension term starts from 17 April.