A COUNCILLOR has accused fellow members of mounting a vendetta against him after being ordered to apologise for comments he made.

Councillor Newton Wood was accused of breaching Barnard Castle Town Council’s code of conduct during two meetings in 2009 and yesterday appeared before Durham County Council’s standards committee.

The first alleged breach took place on May 11, 2009, when members of the council were voting for the new mayor.

The casting vote came down to the then mayor John Yarker, who nominated himself.

Coun Wood, who has been involved in local politics for 20 years, questioned the legitimacy of the move. However, town clerk Geoff Bosworth said Coun Yarker was entitled to vote for himself.

Councillors complained about the way Coun Wood spoke to Mr Bosworth, who had checked the legality of the Mr Yarker’s vote prior to the meeting, knowing the situation may arise.

Councilor John Blissett, said: “I heard him say that the clerk hadn’t got a clue and was useless. It was very uncomplimentary because it was a hard decision to make.”

A statement was passed around councillors, with nine signing it as an official complaint.

However, Coun Wood said: “It is my belief that councillors were cajoled and coerced into this by certain members who have a vendetta against me. The other councillors were being groomed to subscribe to this.”

The board of the standards committee yesterday threw out the complaint because of lack of evidence, with chairman Brian Argyle saying: “We have restrictions in light of the manner Coun Woods’ challenge was made about Mr Bosworth’s advice, however we are prepared to give Coun Woods the benefit of the doubt.”

The second complaint, from a meeting on July 20, 2009 was upheld.

The investigation report describes how Coun Wood unleashed “a protracted personal tirade against fellow members,” while discussing the calibre of members of the council.

Coun Wood, who must write to apologise to councillors, but is considering appealing the decision, said: “I maintain that what I said was not a tirade, but should it have been misconstrued or should it have upset anyone I will apologise.

“I firmly believe that this is a dysfunctional council and certain members have reacted against me for holding them to account.”

Mr Argyle, closing the hearing, said: “We feel there are inequality and diversification issues and we feel the whole council would benefit from appropriate training.”