Labour Councillor faced Standards hearing after “little Hitler” jibe

Twydall Labour Councillor Glyn Griffiths last night faced a Standards Hearing Panel after reportedly referring to a junior Council housing officer as “little Hitler” in front of residents.

In her report to the Panel, Deborah Upton, the Monitoring Officer, summarised the allegations: “The complainant, Mark Leeson, is an employee of the Council. He alleges that Councillor Griffiths referred to him as “a littler Hitler” in a meeting with members of the public, and that his conduct was bullying and disrespectful”.

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Group on Medway Council did not deny using the phrase, and, despite standing by his conviction that he was merely repeating a resident’s opinion, formally apologised to Mr Leeson within the week. Ms Upton concluded that she did “find the use of the phrase “little Hitler” could be disrespectful and therefore a breach of conduct” and also that “[Mr Leeson] alleges that Councillor Griffiths said the “council does not need to employ people like you”, but I did not find this supported by the evidence.”

However, Mr Leeson was, as of last night, yet to accept the apology and the Panel was due to decide whether Cllr Griffiths had broken the rules and, if so, what sanctions might be imposed on him. I am yet to learn of the outcome of the hearing.