THE newly elected chairman of Christchurch council's scrutiny committee has pledged to uphold the council's constitution amid questions of reputational damage.

Cllr Colin Jamieson was elected to the chair at the May meeting of the committee, after a vote between him and Independent, Cllr Colin Bungey.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, the former deputy council leader said: "It is my intention to ensure that the council operates within the terms of reference of the constitution.

"If somebody questions something then we will scrutinise it to ensure that it has been through the proper channels."

At the first scrutiny meeting in which he took the chair, questions were raised by members over potential reputational damage to the authority as a result of the Mudeford sandbank 'jetty gate' saga.

The decision to install the gate was not taken to any committee, but instead decided by officers under delegated powers in consultation with Cllr Sally Derham-Wilkes, chair of the community services committee and two ward members - council leader Ray Nottage and Bernie Davis.

During the debate at scrutiny, vice-chairman Cllr Lesley Dedman said: "It is our reputation. Officers clearly did not think it would be a reputational issue."

Strategic director, Louise Miller responded: "Reputational risk is very important and I know that officers did have informal discussions with elected members."

When asked if he thought the council's decision-making process had caused reputational damage, Cllr Jamieson said: "We have not carried out our investigation into that yet, so it would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt that.

"That was brought up at the committee and as a result it will be a consideration."

In April, Cllr Jamieson was replaced as deputy leader by Cllr Claire Bath, in a vote which took place while he was in intensive care.

While not wishing to comment directly on the matter, Cllr Jamieson said: "One thing it does mean is that I can deal with the matters of scrutiny without fear or favour."