Governance Committee Faces Key Test on Standards --

​But Will It Act or Gloss Over the Issue?
 

Answer - On 20 November  it was Whitewashed

 When the Governance Committee meets on  20 November 2025, it faces a clear test of credibility. Back in September, the Committee agreed — on record — that the Monitoring Officer should bring forward a report specifically addressing enforcement of the Code of Conduct’s “Respect” clause, including how offensive or derogatory remarks aimed at groups are dealt with, and how current complaints are being handled.

​The motion, moved by Cllr Michael Carthew, also called for an interim written note within ten working days confirming scope and timescale. That minute created a clear procedural obligation and a public expectation that the issue would be tackled openly. Yet the 20 November agenda now shows a familiar pattern.

A paper titled “Code of Conduct Update” has been published — but it’s a generic annual review, not the targeted enforcement report the Committee requested. The Monitoring Officer’s report makes no mention of the September minute, the “Respect” clause, or the promised interim note.

This gives the impression that the Council is treating a serious governance question as routine housekeeping, when in fact it is a matter of public trust. The Respect clause of Solihull’s own Code of Conduct (April 2021) is explicit:

“Respect means politeness and courtesy in behaviour, speech, and in the written word. You can express, challenge, criticise and disagree with views, ideas, opinions and policies in a robust but civil manner.

You should not, however, subject individuals, groups of people or organisations to personal attack.” “Rude and offensive behaviour lowers the public’s expectations and confidence in Councillors.”

Those words were written for moments like this. The Governance Committee now has an opportunity — perhaps its last before next May’s elections — to prove that the Council takes its own standards seriously.

If it chooses instead to gloss over what happened in May, July and September, it will confirm what many residents already suspect: that accountability at Solihull is optional, and that the leadership’s instinct remains to control and contain rather than confront the culture problems at the heart of the authority.

​The decision will be clear to see — both in the Committee’s minutes, and at the ballot box next May.

Solihill Chair of Governace

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Cllr Josh O'Nyors
Chair of Governance
Conservative Party
Solihull -Lyndon Ward
Election Majority
141 Votes 
Representing 13.29%
of the Ward Electorate of 10,107
with 1608 votes.

Rob de Silhill
​Resident of Borough of Solihull
​[email protected]