Trump 'breach' councillor cleared

Aberdeenshire Council said it was still studying the commission's verdict

A councillor who raised concerns over the way officials had handled Donald Trump's golf resort plans has been cleared of breaching a code of conduct.

Lib Dem Councillor Paul Johnston was condemned by Aberdeenshire Council after he questioned a land agreement it made with the Trump Organisation.

He accused the council of providing a sweetener to the American tycoon.

The case was referred to the Standards Commission, which has now cleared Mr Johnston.

The Mid Formartine councillor said he was relieved about the decision, which he said showed the council was wrong to say he had committed a serious breach of its code of conduct.

Aberdeenshire Council said it was still studying the commission's verdict and would report to the full council in due course.

Mr Trump's controversial £1bn golf and housing development at Menie was approved in November following a public inquiry.