BOURNEMOUTH’S former council leader, who was at the centre of a laptop porn row, has tried to bring a Standards Committee case against one of his critics.

Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin, who stepped down after viewing pornographic images on his council laptop, lodged an official complaint against Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Claire Smith.

He took issue with comments she made to Echo and television reporters after a Standards Committee hearing ruled his actions had not breached the councillors’ code of conduct.

Cllr Smith publicly criticised the decision and labelled the investigation into Cllr MacLoughlin’s behaviour “a whitewash.” She also referred to a “secret club behind closed doors” at the Town Hall.

Cllr MacLoughlin’s complaint to the Standards Committee said her comments insinuated that officers and possibly members had acted inappropriately.

But the complaint was dismissed at the first opportunity, with the official ruling: “The issues in the complaint do not appear to be breaches of the code of conduct. They appear to be politically motivated.”

It would have cost around £275 for Cllr MacLoughlin’s complaint to be considered and assessed.

The recent investigation and hearing into his behaviour cost taxpayers more than £17,500.

Cllr Smith said: “I find this very sad that yet again, especially in these times of austerity and the administration telling us how difficult the council’s financial situation is, that Cllr MacLoughlin is adding to the bill of more than £17,000 already spent on his case.

“I had many phone calls and emails from my residents asking me to speak out on the whole affair and I was doing my duty and I will continue to do so. I believe this complaint was probably put in to try and silence me and I will not be silenced.”

Cllr MacLoughlin said he had no comment to make on the issue.

It’s understood he can now request a review of the decision to take no action.