Leicestershire CC's Conservative group has expelled former leader, Cllr David Parsons, ‘as a matter of principle' - after a damning internal party report into his conduct.
The decision to expel Cllr Parsons was driven by an email he sent announcing his decision to leave the Conservative group on Tuesday, ahead of a special meeting held last night to consider an internal investigation into potential breaches of party rules.
Cllr Nick Rushton, who replaced Cllr Parsons as both group and council leader, proposed the motion to expel his predecessor, which was carried unanimously.
In comments made after the meeting, Cllr Rushton said: ‘With the glare of the national media bearing down upon our group, this issue became much more than just dealing with the conduct of the former leader. It became a matter of principle.'
Cllr Rushton added: ‘I am determined that this will send out the right messages – that we deal with our dirty washing properly and decisively.'
Party whips examined a dossier of evidence relating to Parsons' conduct following the delayed repayment of thousands of pounds worth of European travel expenses paid directly into his personal bank account and his use of an authority-owned car.
According to the investigation - which Leicestershire CC Conservative's group has published online – Parsons failed to show the highest standards in the discharge of his duties.
The investigation also states that by not heeding the advice of council officials in repaying outstanding expenses promptly, Parsons allowed himself to be put in a position of financial gain.
His refusal to co-operate with internal auditors undermined public confidence in the ruling group, the investigatory panel, led by chief whip Cllr Tony Gillard and deputy whips Cllr Jackie Dickinson and Cllr Bill Liquorish report.
Among further breaches of the party code, the panel states Cllr Parsons issued ‘an untrue statement' on the Conservative group website on 19, June which gave a false impression he had paid all outstanding monies owed to East Midlands Councils – ultimately to Leicestershire CC. Additionally, his failure to co-operate with the authority's corporate governance committee eroded trust and his use of a civic car for private functions and weddings made the office of leader open to ridicule, the panel reports.
‘To this end, the panel believes all four group rules relating to member conduct have been breached and by his actions, severe embarrassment and disrepute been caused to the group and to the reputation of the Conservative Party,' the investigators summarise.
However, the panel states it is aware of the potential for further local embarrassment over Cllr Parsons' membership of Blaby District Council ‘which may result in further investigation and disciplinary action'.
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