‘Bitter’ King hits back at censure for his conduct

ATORBAY councillor disciplined for misconduct has attacked the decision and says he won’t be seeking re-election after his “bitter experience”.

Mark King was issued with a formal censure – a statement criticising his behaviour – by Torbay Council for breaking the members’ code of conduct which governs councillors’ behaviour.

A standards hearing sub-committee decided he put himself under an obligation to an individual, sought advantage for himself and disadvantage for someone else, and ‘failed to uphold and promote high standards of conduct when holding public office’.

Cllr King refused to accept the findings and claimed it was a political decision not backed up by evidence.

He said an earlier report by an independent investigator had cleared him of misconduct and claimed the sub-committee of councillors carrying out the inquiry had ignored its findings.

Cllr King said: “To say that I am disappointed is a gross understatement. I have done nothing wrong.This case has made

Councillor Mark King me very ill.”

He said he felt bullied into attending hearings despite having a doctor’s certificate saying he was unfit for work due to anxiety and depression.

And he said there had been “a vile online hate campaign” against him.

The standards sub-committee which investigated the complaint against Cllr King has asked for a new investigation to cover allegations relating to the behaviour of another councillor, the award of contracts for bus services, security, and an event, and allegations of wrongdoing in planning.

The original complaint was from a woman Cllr King developed a personal relationship with. She said she later became concerned for her safety due to his behaviour.

Wood crosses are placed in the flower bed at Courtenay Park