Newcastle City Council has approved an action plan to rebuild trust after an independent inquiry found that poor behaviour by some politicians had become "normalised". The measures were unveiled at a cabinet meeting on Monday by council leader Colin Ferguson, in response to a Local Government Association (LGA) review.
Inquiry findings
The LGA review, commissioned in December 2024 following concerns about the council's culture, warned that some councillors showed "significant behavioural and trust issues, including a lack of respect". It did not begin until a year later, after a separate complaint investigation cleared former council leader Nick Kemp of breaching the code of conduct. The report was published earlier this month and found that most people felt the council was in a better place than in 2024, with "good leadership, effective governance and good relationships" between senior officers and politicians. However, it also found that "poor behaviour has now become almost accepted, tolerated and normalised" among a small group of elected politicians.
Action plan details
The action plan includes a new development programme for councillors, with tailored training for those in key roles. Politicians will be asked to sign the LGA's "Debate not Hate" pledge, and the cabinet will commit to increased scrutiny. A review of the council's charter to modernise and increase transparency is planned, along with new training for council officers to improve their political understanding.
Councillor Ferguson said the review captured a snapshot not reflective of the council's current state, especially after May's local elections saw 52 new councillors elected and a shift in political balance. He acknowledged lessons to be learned and said he wanted things to be "the best they possibly can be". Byker councillor Nick Hartley emphasised the importance of making the council a "safer place to work" and increasing residents' trust. Ferguson replied that he aimed to create a culture where politicians can disagree respectfully.
Political reactions
When the LGA review was presented to the full council last week, Ferguson said Newcastle "can be a leader in the country if we work together to make it so". He later clashed with independent councillor Marc Donnelly over what he called "baseless accusations" that "besmirch this chamber and bring shame on all of us". Donnelly had questioned the appointment of former councillors as honorary aldermen, saying the title should represent exceptional service, not political favour.
Steven Rutherford, leader of the Reform UK opposition, said "real progress" had been made since the inquiry was commissioned and that the council appeared to be "the most collaborative council there has been in recent years". He also called for a "fair and positive campaign" in the upcoming by-election in Throckley, Walbottle, and Newburn.
