Councillors guilty of misconduct in Romaldkirk, County Durham

Members of Romaldkirk Parish Council were accused of being “dismissive and disrespectful” to others, spreading misinformation, and blamed for their handling of finances and alleged false statements regarding funds.

Durham County Council’s Standards Committee Hearing Panel upheld the complaints against councillors  Jackie Barningham, Gill Carter, Lesley Cutting and DerekNixon on Monday (March 17). 

The dispute was ignited over long-running land disagreements and reportedly divided the picturesque Teesdale village. Residents sought medical help, the hearing was told, and conversations in a village WhatsApp group were described as toxic and threatening.

“I say to all my friends and family, if you think Emmerdale is something move to Romaldkirk. That’s the reality of it at the moment,” said Ivan Carter-Becker, speaking on behalf of the accused councillors.

“Our meetings have been very unpleasant but hopefully, this is an opportunity to draw it to a close.”

But calling it a “very complex, long and damaging process”, Mr Carter-Becker criticised Investigating Officer Rachel Antonelli’s report for lacking detailed information. 

“It’s a basic principle of human rights that anyone accused of something is given fair notice to know what they have done,” he said.

“How can they respond if they weren’t told what they have done? That has to be one of the most fundamental principles. The information isn’t there and that makes it a completely unsound report.”

On the bullying allegations, Mr Carter-Becker denied the councillor’s actions equated to intimidating behaviour and said members are allowed to disagree on issues. 

He concluded: “The report put forward is not fair, reasoned, or justified and it should never have been put forward. When looking at the actual evidence it’s clear the councillors acted the best way they could. The allegations are not correct.”

Romaldkirk resident Claire Phillips, speaking at the hearing as a witness, said she began attending council meetings two years ago.

“Life in Romaldkirk for most has been harmonious until the last two years,” she said. 

“It was immediately apparent to me that the atmosphere was tense and there was an inappropriate and unpleasant hostility from members of the public towards councillors Cutting, Carter, Nixon and Barningham.

"This continued outside the meetings on the Romaldkirk WhatsApp group, fuelled by a small number of people, and creating division and bad feelings within the village. 

“In the meetings during the public participation section, it became a regular occurrence that certain people would become angry and rude, make accusations, jeer and scoff.”

Police also previously probed complaints of assault among members but closed their investigations. 

Ms Phillips added: “In response to the [WhatsApp] post, ‘I would be careful not to shoot the messenger, a reply was posted, ‘I’d shoot most of them.’ In light of what happened to MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, such behaviour should not be tolerated.”

And despite the allegations against them, she said the accused councillors have acted in an exemplary manner. 

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Ms Phillips added: “In the years that I have been attending Romaldkirk Parish Council meetings, I have never witnessed bullying, dismissive or inappropriate behaviour from councillors Cutting, Carter, Nixon and Barningham. I believe they have worked hard over many years and shown commitment and dedication for the benefit of the village and those who live in it.”

However, the Standards Committee Hearing Panel, which included councillors Chris Varty, Elaine Peeke and Kathryn Rooney, agreed with the Investigating Officer’s findings. 

A censure letter, detailing the findings and outcome of the investigation, will also be published.