Independent councillor suspended amid complaints probe

A councillor has been accused of putting senior officers at Dumfries and Galloway Council under pressure

A watchdog is investigating complaints about a councillor's alleged behaviour towards senior officials at Dumfries and Galloway Council, including its chief executive.

Ian Carruthers has been accused of becoming inappropriately involved in operational matters, and of seeking preferential treatment.

The Annandale South councillor has been suspended for three months while the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC) investigates 21 alleged issues.

Mr Carruthers, who was one of seven councillors who quit the Conservatives in June triggering a change in leadership at the local authority, has been approached for comment.

BBC Scotland News has asked Dumfries and Galloway Council for a response to the investigation.

Dawn Roberts, the council's chief executive, and three senior officers are named as the complainers.

The Standards Commission for Scotland (SCS) ordered the suspension of Mr Carruthers, who is now an independent councillor.

It said the ESC was investigating whether he had failed to comply with the Councillors' Code of Conduct.

The SCS said among the allegations were that Mr Carruthers attempted to pressure officers in order to get around council procedures.

It said the ESC reported that senior officials described the councillor's conduct as "persistent" and resulted in pressures being placed on officers and council teams.

The SCS said: "The witnesses contended that the respondent (Mr Carruthers) continued to display the type of behaviours that were the subject of the complaint, despite having been warned his conduct could potentially amount to a breach of the code."

Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed Mr Carruthers had been given an interim suspension.

A spokesperson said: "As this is an active and ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate for the council to comment further on the matter."