HC Deb 06 March 2003 vol 400 cc1191-2W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many parish councillors have declined to sign the model code of conduct since November 2001. [101218]

Mr. Leslie

The Standards Board and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have been directly informed of 95 resignations by parish councillors unwilling to accept the code of conduct, out of an estimated total of some 70,000 parish councillors. There is no requirement for local authority members to inform the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of resignations, for whatever reason.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what right of appeal parish councillors have if suspended from their duties by an adjudication panel. [101219]

Mr. Leslie

Where a case tribunal of the adjudication panel decides that a parish councillor has failed to comply with the code of conduct, that councillor may appeal to the High Court.