Lichfield District Council has not confirmed whether a councillor breached its code of conduct – despite a hearing taking place several days ago.
A behind-closed-doors hearing was held on Monday afternoon, but no decision has yet been made public.
The local authority did not identify the councillor involved, but several sources have told Lichfield Live that it relates to Cllr David Leytham.
The council launched an investigation over claims the Conservative member failed to declare his wife’s business on his register of interests.
Documents seen by Lichfield Live confirmed that the initial complaint about were deemed worthy of further exploration by the local authority.
The council’s deputy monitoring officer said in a written report: “It is clear that there is a case that if proven there would be a breach of the code of conduct in respect of the failure to register the business of the spouse and in respect of the failure the register the existence of a contractual relationship between Lichfield City Council and the spouse.”
His previous register of interests showed only that he and his wife held invigilation roles with the Scottish Qualifications Authority. However, an updated document posted since the local elections in May shows that his partner is a sole trader of The Pretty Little Parlour, which has supplied plants and floral displays to Lichfield City Council.
Cllr Leytham had previously been Mayor of Lichfield City Council before losing his seat in May. He was elected unopposed to Lichfield District Council in the Whittington and Streethay ward.
Lichfield Live has sought clarification from Lichfield District Council over the outcome of the hearing since it took place, but no official confirmation has been made about whether the code of conduct has been breached or not.
Cllr Leytham has declined to comment until the official confirmation of the hearing’s outcome is made public.
