Former provost's outburst did not breach standards - watchdog

A watchdog has concluded the former Angus provost did not breach behavioural standards when his outburst left a colleague in tears during a meeting.

The Standards Commission also ruled Brian Boyd's conduct towards fellow councillor Lois Speed was not sexist.

Mr Boyd resigned as provost following the incident during a full council meeting in June last year, but continued as independent councillor for the Carnoustie and District ward.

He said if he could "turn back time" he would have dealt with the incident differently, but denied losing his temper.

Cllr Boyd said he was "dramatic in nature, not disrespectful."

He said: "I feel justice has been served and so relieved that after a year, my name has been cleared."

The incident came during a discussion regarding the removal of early years practitioner posts from primary one classrooms.

In the video, Ms Speed is seen attempting to ask a question, first saying there had been "key themes today in terms of local democracy".

Mr Boyd then interrupted, stood and read out the council's policy on standing orders before asking a shaken Ms Speed: "Have I made myself clear?"

He said: "Councillor Speed, when I stand up, everyone here sits down.

"When the convener starts to speak, any member who is standing will resume his or her seat.

"No other member will stand and the convener will be heard without interruption. Have I made myself clear?"

'Courtesy and respect'

A report from the Standards Commission panel said that "on the face of it" Mr Boyd breached section 3.1 of the Councillors Code of Conduct.

This dictates that elected members should treat everyone with "courtesy and respect".

However, the report added that having taken into account Mr Boyd's right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, a formal finding of breach could not be made.

The panel also concluded that Mr Boyd's outburst was not sexist in nature.

The report said: "The panel considered that in, essentially, reprimanding her so publicly in circumstances where such action was not warranted, the respondent was disrespectful and discourteous towards Cllr Speed.

"The panel nevertheless wished to make it clear that it accepted the respondent's position that his conduct towards Cllr Speed had nothing whatsoever to do with her sex."