A COUNCILLOR said to have called a man with a stalking conviction a "bully" could be struck off at a hearing next month.
Fife Council's David MacDiarmid is accused of breaking the councillors' code of conduct over comments allegedly made regarding the renewal of a taxi driver's licence more than two years ago.
The man, who has not been identified, has a conviction for stalking his second wife and had previously been accused of abusing his first wife and adopted son.
When his taxi licence came up for renewal at a meeting of the local authority's Regulation and Licensing Committee, MacDiarmid allegedly made personal and disrespectful comments, telling the applicant: "I don’t know why two women would live with you never [mind] get married to you."
Before making a motion to dismiss the bid, he is further said to have remarked: "I think this man is a bully and I don’t want bullies driving people round in taxis in Fife."
The incident, which dates back to December 2015, was referred to the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland (CESPLS), with MacDiarmid accused of breaching the councillors' code of conduct by pre-judging the man based on his criminal record.
An investigation has now been carried out and will be outlined at a public hearing of the Standards Commission for Scotland (SCS), when the Howe of Fife and Taye Coast councillor will appear before a panel of three officials in Glenrothes.
The independent body promotes and enforces conduct codes for local politicians and those on national and regional public bodies like the Scottish Police Authority and NHS boards.
If the panel finds against him, MacDiarmid – who will have the chance to respond – could be censured, suspended or disqualified from public office.
The session will be held at the council's Fife House headquarters on April 25.
Professor Kevin Dunion, convener of the SCS, said: “When taking decisions on quasi-judicial or regulatory matters, councillors must demonstrate fairness and impartiality.
“A failure to behave properly and to be seen to be behaving properly in council meetings risks a councillor’s decision, or those of the council’s, being legally challenged.”
He went on: "It is of paramount importance that our hearings are heard in public, to ensure transparency, trust and confidence in the system.”
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