THE chief executive of the new BCP Council says he will set the highest standards for the conduct of councillors and officers from the start.

Graham Farrant said the robustness of code of conduct and declaration of interest procedures in the new authority would be reviewed by the standards board as a priority.

Mr Farrant is in post from April 1 when the conurbation unitary begins life. He spoke after Dorset’s police and crime commissioner, Martyn Underhill, wrote to him and new Dorset council counterpart, Matt Prosser.

Referring to the Echo’s coverage this week into Cllr John Beesley, Mr Underhill said it had prompted a response from him.

He wrote: “I have asked both of you to examine and strengthen councillor declarations to ensure that compliance with the Nolan Principles (standards in public life) in relation to private landlords and planning issues is tightened.”

The new shadow authority has already voted to make code of conduct matters a priority for the new council. 

All councillors are currently sent quarterly reminders about their responsibilities over declarations of interest. 

Mr Farrant, former chief executive of Thurrock Council is unable to comment on the John Beesley case because it relates to Bournemouth council for which he has no responsibility.

But he said: “My track record shows I have always flown the flag for the very highest standards. All 76 new councillors will go through training and briefings on their responsibilities after the elections in May. They will also have regular reminders through their term.”

The Echo has reported on documents from the late Tony Williams, the former Bournemouth chief executive who was investigating Cllr Beesley’s private business interests in 2017 before he suddenly left the council.

An independent inquiry is currently being carried out. Solicitor Mark Heath has rejected an offer from the Echo to try to help him obtain copies of Mr Williams’ paperwork and he has not contacted the family.

The family said: “We are shocked and saddened that Tony will have no input into the independent inquiry, as he would have greatly wished to do so had he still been with us. We welcome the initiative from Mr Underhill and feel this is a positive step forward for the new authorities.”