The personal and political - is it possible to be a member of the public while you're in office?

By PRSD, on Monday, December 7, 2009

There’s a hoopla in Torbay about Cllr Jeanette Richards and son-in-law Cllr David Thomas declaring their interest in planning matters on Paignton Green.

A bit of background: In November last year, the two failed to declare their interest in a catering company with a street licence, as the council threw out plans for a street market in Victoria Street, Paignton.

Now, one of the events they are involved in – Paignton Regatta on Paignton Green – is an opponent to plans for a £500,000 play park on Paignton Green.

At a Paignton Community Partnership, Jeannette stood up and said: “I am not against the idea. I am against the location.” She didn’t say she was a councillor or that she is a member of the planning committee – she wasn’t required to do so at that meeting.

She told thisissouthdevon: “I would not get up and say I was Mrs Richards and I would not say I am councillor Richards. I was really speaking as Jeanette Richards.”

Son-in-law David – chair of the planning committee – was also at the meeting. He also spoke at the meeting, but says he made it clear he was a councillor.

He told thisissouthdevon: “When this comes to planning I will not be able to sit on that decision because I have a personal and prejudicial interest in the Green because we do work on the Green. I am going to ask if I can speak as a member of the public, but not as a councillor.”

Read the full story on thisissouthdevon

• While declaring your interest keeps you out of the decision-making process, is it possible to be a member of the public while you’re in office?

Comments below, please.
(Of course, you wouldn’t be commenting on this particular case, but rather adding to the personal versus poltical debate – just thought we’d make that clear.)

(image: Paignton Green)