COUNCILLOR AGAIN DENIED THE CHANCE TO CLEAR HIS NAME

Having been under investigation by the Standards Board of England on charges brought against him by the Council's Chief Executive over a two year period, Mr Buchanan was cleared on all but one minor charge, and a censure was the only sanction.

However, wanting to give a statement to fellow councillors about his ordeal of the last two years, the press and public were ordered to clear the Council Chamber in Taunton, and it was ruled that his statement should be heard in private.

Commenting on the latest development in the story, Ken Maddock, Conservative Group Leader on Somerset County Council, said, "There seems to be an injustice here. Paul Buchanan and I are on opposite sides of the political divide. But this is not a party political issue. It is a matter of fairness. If he is innocent he should not suffer, and should be allowed to clear his name in public.''

He concluded, "I am very concerned about the general culture of secrecy at County Hall. There is far too much going on behind closed doors. What do they have to hide? Why will they not allow one of their own to speak in public?''

END