A former deputy leader of Bradford Council has been warned about his future conduct after he was found guilty of verbally abusing and intimidating a fellow councillor.
Simon Cooke was rapped across the knuckles yesterday by a Standards Board for England tribunal which found he had breached the Council's code of conduct.
But the independent panel agreed that he had already suffered enough as he had already lost a leading position on the authority and it decided not to use its powers to suspend him.
Councillor Cooke (Con, Bingley Rural) was reported to the Standards Board after swearing and shouting following criticism during a Council meeting last October.
The tribunal heard how the 45-year-old used "extreme profanities" in his clash with Labour Councillor David Green (Wibsey).
It followed a meeting in which Coun Cooke's handling of the controversial Asset Management Project was criticised - implying he had been less than honest. He was forced out of his post as regeneration portfolio holder in April after a vote of no confidence, which he yesterday blamed on "political malice".
The panel found he failed to treat others with respect and had brought his office or authority into disrepute.
But it recognised he had continued to apologise for his actions and had lost his place on the powerful executive. It also advised Bradford Council to ensure all councillors receive training in the code of conduct to prevent future breaches.
After the hearing, during which he broke down in tears at one point, a visibly relieved Coun Cooke said: "I am sorry it has taken the Standards Board such a time to conclude this matter but I am pleased with the Adjudication Panel's decision.
"This began as an act of political spite and has caused me and my family considerable stress and upset. Councillors should think more carefully before using the Standards Board as a means of securing political or personal advantage.
"I will continue to serve as a ward councillor and look forward to supporting the regeneration of Bradford city centre and Airedale."
Jennifer Rogers, the board's ethical standards officer, investigated the complaint and found Coun Cooke had raised his concerns "publicly in an inappropriate, insulting and offensive manner".
Investigations and tribunals of this kind cost about £7,000 on average.
Coun Cooke was first elected to the Council in 1995 and his seat will be up for election next year. He was a member of the executive for two years.
It is the second time Coun Cooke has been investigated over his behaviour.
In October, 2004, he was found to be in breach of the Councillors' code of conduct when he made a Nazi-style salutes and said "Sieg Heil" during a Council meeting.
The Standards Board recommended no further action as he had apologised and resigned as deputy leader of the Council shortly afterwards.
e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk
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