Councillors warned about use of social media after conduct that has 'fallen short of standards expected'

Councillors in Middlesbrough have been warned about how they use social media.

A memo, sent by Middlesbrough Council monitoring officer Karen Whitmore in an email, has been sent to all councillors highlighting the “occasions where the conduct of some councillors has fallen short of the standards expected”.

It warns their actions come under close scrutiny and “any shortfall in behaviour will be picked up by the media”.

The move follows several instances of councillors’ use of Facebook and Twitter including the row over Cllr Joan McTigue’s comments described as “racist” by Cllr Mick Thompson, in a full council meeting this month.

Independent Cllr John McPartland, who represents Middlehaven, sent a reply - which The Gazette has seen - questioning whether it is the responsibility of a council officer to send that email.

He also said: “As a regular user of the social media... I should like to know if you include me in the reference to ‘some councillors’.

“Incidentally, since when has it been the responsibility of an officer of the council to make a comment such as you have, without speaking to all the councillors encompassed by your phrase ‘some councillors’.

“Or, perhaps you have, which would eliminate me as a target of your ‘condemnation’. Either way, I formally ask you to clarify the position with regards to myself.”

Cllr McPartland, a member of the Association of the Independent Middlesbrough Councillors said: “I’m a big fan and supporter of social media. I use it a lot and will continue to use it for both personal and political reasons. It’s a modern, new method of communication.

“Every method of communication from the media to newsletters can be abused but you don’t shun or ban the method of communication.”

Marton West ward Councillor Chris Hobson, leader of the Middlesbrough Conservative Party, said: “Social media is a valuable tool. It can also be a poisonous tool. I am very careful of what I do on Facebook.”

Charlie Rooney, leader of the Middlesbrough Labour Party and Executive member for regeneration, said: “It’s one of the crosses we have to bear. Everything we say or do is scrutinised.”

Beechwood ward Independent Cllr Joan McTigue said: “Clearly some people in the council, and that includes councillors, are concerned over non-confidential information that is being given to the public.

“By that I mean information they have a right to know, for example, who claims what, what their money is being spent on.”