Inquiry clears provost after bias allegation

THE provost of West Lothian Council has been cleared by the Standards Commission following a four-month inquiry.

Councillor Tom Kerr was investigated after allegedly showing political bias during a council meeting. The complainant told the Standards Commission that he had refused to allow questions on a deputation at a meeting of West Lothian Council.

However, the watchdog has dismissed the complaint and cleared Cllr Kerr of any wrongdoing.

A number of other complaints were made about him, alleging that he breached key principles of leadership and respect.

Chief investigating officer Stuart Allan said: "Effectively in this case I was asked to second guess the decisions of the chair. Only in exceptional cases should it be necessary to refer such complaints for investigation; whenever possible members of the council should seek to resolve any difficulties in the application of standing orders at their own hand."