A Stirling councillor is to appear before the Standards Commissioner over an allegation he breached the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.
Labour member Danny Gibson is accused of contravening the code on issues of “respect and courtesy” and those relating to taking decisions on “quasi-judicial or regulatory applications”.
Councillor Gibson will appear before a hearing at the Stirling Council headquarters at Old Viewforth this June.
Cllr Gibson, who represents Stirling North, said the complaint from an opposition councillor was “politically motivated”.
He said: “The hearing relates to a belated complaint submitted by an opposition councillor concerning historical matters which were successfully resolved within the council many years ago now.
“This individual seems particularly aggrieved that matters were resolved and they have sadly sought to weaponise the standards process for their own ends.
“This is clearly politically motivated and I very much hope the commission will see it for what it is.”
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Cllr Gibson previously held the position of deputy council leader under the previous SNP/Labour administration.
As part of the current Labour administration, Cllr Gibson serves as convener of the Children and Young People committee and vice convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero committee. Political opponents have called for him to step back pending the outcome of the Standards Commissioner’s hearing in June.
Gerry McLaughlan, group business convener for the SNP group at Stirling Council, has written to the council leader and Labour group leader Councillor Chris Kane, urging a review of Cllr Gibson’s committee roles.
Cllr McLaughlan said: “In Glasgow City Council, in reaction to a possible report of a complaint to the commissioner, Labour councillors supported the removal of the councillor involved from the chair of the licensing board.
“In light of this action, Stirling SNP councillors demand the Labour administration do similar, and review Mr Gibson’s participation in light of these disciplinary proceedings.
“The complaint against Cllr Gibson clearly has merit enough to be referred to the Standards Commission.
“We would expect as a minimum that Cllr Gibson is suspended from his internal and external committee roles until the outcome of the Standards Commission hearing is known.”
In January 2021, an investigation was carried out following complaints about Cllr Gibson’s behaviour towards council officials.
Solicitors were instructed by the council to conduct an inquiry into the conduct of Cllr Gibson. A Freedom of Information request confirmed this was carried out at a cost of £20,100.
At that time, the Stirling Labour group said that, following discussions with senior council officers, the issue had been “resolved”.
Speaking in January 2021, Cllr Gibson said: “As a socialist and trade unionist I fully support – and would indeed encourage – any employee in any organisation to raise any issues with their line manager to have them resolved wherever possible.
“When raising often difficult and challenging matters on behalf of the people I represent I’m fully aware of the standards expected of elected members and do so in accordance with those requirements. An issue was raised concerning me and I engaged with the process and a resolution was reached. That’s how good employment practices should work.”
Stirling Council Labour Group said they could not comment on the June hearing. Stirling Council confirmed the hearing was scheduled but could not comment further.
