The Standards Board for England yesterday (29 September) decided to take no action in respect of allegations made by Tory councillor Tony Hall against local Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Lorna Spenceley. The Tory accusations were made in connection with an internal investigation into alleged breaches of Harlow Council's IT protocol by former councillor Matthew Shepherd.

Cllr Spenceley says:

"I am pleased that the Standards Board has decided to take no action over Cllr Hall's allegations, which I have always believed to be motivated by petty politics. During the internal investigation into Mr Shepherd's conduct I acted in good faith, and I'm delighted that the Standards Board has recognised that."

Tory councillor Tony Hall referred Cllr Spenceley to the Standards Board shortly after the ending of the joint administration between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives on Harlow Council. It has taken nine months for the Standards Board to conclude its findings.

Further detail of the Standards Board's report may currently not be disclosed. However, a summary report will be made public in due course.

ENDS