Ex-pat Whitchurch councillor facing bullying allegations

A Shropshire councillor who is now living in Spain may have to fly back to Britain in order to face allegations that he bullied fellow civic leaders and breached a code of conduct.

Councillor Andrew Richardson, of Whitchurch Town Council, is due to appear before a Standards Sub-Committee over claims he failed to treat others with respect.

In the event the panel decides Councillor Richardson failed to comply with the code he could face sanctions including restriction of access to council resources, training or suspension for up to six months.

Monday's Shirehall hearing will consider whether Councillor Richardson made unfounded accusations about Councillor Philip Walker. A report says the town clerk and assistant town clerk felt "compromised" by Councillor Richardson's actions.

"Councillor Richardson was alleged to have suggested that the complainant had been untruthful at a meeting of the Whitchurch Town and Parish Plan Steering Committee held on November 23, 2009, and that he had suggested that he had a greater influence over the accreditation process for Whitchurch Heritage Centre than had actually existed.

"It was alleged that the incidents referred to formed part of a pattern of similar incidents that have been occurring over a period of time."

The report adds there has been no response from Councillor Richardson to pre-hearing process requests.