THE CHIEF of Bracknell’s Conservative group has spoked out on the conduct of a local councillor who was found to have ‘bullied’ a colleague.

Crowthorne Parish Councillor Richard Price is facing a range of sanctions after a borough council conduct panel judged him to have breached the authority’s code of conduct.

This came after Crowthorne Parish Council (CPC) clerk Melanie Saville accused Conservative Cllr Price of showing ‘bullying and harassing’ behaviour towards her on seven separate occasions from January to September 2020.

Following an investigation into these incidents, it was decided Mr Price bullied Ms Saville, failed to treat her with respect and brought CPC into disrepute.

READ MORE: Councillor breached code of conduct after 'bullying' colleague

The panel agreed the councillor should be stripped of his ‘finance champion’ title at CPC, formally censured at the next meeting of the Parish Council, be monitored for his behaviour, undertake anti-bullying training and more.

Despite these conditions, the Localism Act 2011 does not allow local authorities to suspend elected members who have breached their code of conduct.

Since this decision was published, however, the Bracknell Labour group has called on the Bracknell Conservative group to censure Cllr Price further.

When asked by the News if any sanctions were planned for Mr Price, Bracknell Conservative Association Chairman Gerry Barber responded: “The complaint against Cllr Price has been dealt with by the council following its internal procedures.

READ MORE: NHS boss responds after dementia sufferer's 'extremely distressing' vaccine ordeal

“Any elected councillor is required to adhere to standards of behaviour as defined by the Nolan Principles, this is a matter for the parish council.

“Bullying is not acceptable at any time and the Bracknell Conservative Association does not condone such behaviour.”

Cllr Richard Price, who has served as a councillor since 1988, has been contacted for comment.