Ever wondered what happens when local politicians take their disagreements to social media? Flintshire County Council is grappling with a “deteriorating pattern of behaviour” from its elected members online. A new report reveals the surprising details and calls for change. Will our councillors clean up their digital act?
Flintshire County Council’s Standards Committee has raised significant concerns regarding the increasingly problematic social media conduct of its elected members. This critical report highlights a worrying trend that impacts both the council’s reputation and public trust, sparking debate over appropriate digital behaviour for public officials.
The comprehensive report serves as an annual review, meticulously detailing all disciplinary actions undertaken by the Standards Committee over a twelve-month period. It records complaints lodged against councillors at both county and town council levels, emanating from both the general public and fellow elected officials, providing a broad overview of **councillor conduct** challenges.
A paramount issue underscored in the latest findings is the irresponsible use of social media platforms by Flintshire Council councillors and even group leaders. This specific behaviour has become a focal point of internal discussions and formal complaints, indicating a systemic problem within local government.
The report specifically notes grievances from various political group leaders concerning the inappropriate online conduct of members within their own groups. A significant concern for the committee is the perceived lack of effective encouragement for more responsible digital engagement within these political factions, highlighting a gap in leadership.
It subsequently emerged that these detrimental behaviours are not confined to a single political group, but are instead being manifested across different parties and affiliations within Welsh politics. The report acknowledges the possibility of “tit-for-tat” exchanges, though the exact motivations and instigators for these actions remain unclear.
Regardless of whether these behaviours constitute a direct breach of the code of conduct that would necessitate investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW), the fundamental purpose of the ethical regime is to foster conduct that actively promotes the council’s reputation. This commitment to social media ethics aims to prevent actions that diminish public confidence through online behaviour.
To address this escalating issue, the report strongly recommends that leaders of all political groups within Flintshire County Council – including Labour, Liberal Democrat, Eagle, Independents, True Independents, and Flintshire People’s Voice – take proactive steps. They are urged to actively encourage their members to cultivate positive relationships with other members and groups, particularly those with whom they hold political disagreements, thereby upholding crucial local government standards.
