Two councillors resign amid conduct investigation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 15:32 · Archive

Two councillors have resigned from Whitby Town Council following an independent investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Two councillors have resigned from Whitby Town Council ahead of a meeting held on Monday to discuss an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct. An independent investigation commissioned by the council recommended banning Jacqui Layman and Chris Riddolls from the local museum and that the authority formally disassociate itself from their actions due to 'their unacceptable treatment of staff and their disruptive behaviour within the council'.

The investigation found 'evidence demonstrating a sustained pattern of inappropriate conduct involving Ms Layman and Mr Riddolls over an extended period, affecting several current and former employees'. The findings contributed to 'serious difficulties in member-officer relationships and the effective functioning of the council', according to draft minutes of the meeting. Councillors expressed their 'profound concern and dismay' at the findings and described the reports as 'deeply disturbing and difficult to read', particularly regarding the impact on staff wellbeing.

Three other councillors also separately resigned on the same day, creating five vacancies on the 19-seat authority. A motion of no confidence in Ms Layman and Mr Riddolls was due to be recommended for approval. The investigation reports have not been made public. The two councillors could not be reached for comment, and Whitby Town Council declined to comment further ahead of a full meeting next week.

How it is being reported

• Councillors quit as probe finds ‘sustained pattern of inappropriate conduct’Two councillors accused of ‘sustained inappropriate conduct’ have resigned from a local authority before a meeting was due to discuss the allegations.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 13 Oct, 15:04
• Councillors quit as probe finds ‘sustained pattern of inappropriate conduct’Two councillors accused of ‘sustained inappropriate conduct’ have resigned from a local authority before a meeting was due to discuss the allegations.The Press (York) · 13 Oct, 15:04

In this story: Jacqui Layman · Chris Riddolls · Whitby Town Council · Whitby

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