Wills hits back after complaint

LERWICK councillor Jonathan Wills was interviewed by the Standards Commission yesterday (Wednesday) following a complaint made by Shetland Islands Council’s convener, vice-convener and three top officials, five months ago.

Dr Wills was reported to the commission after allegations he made following the conclusion of an internal council disciplinary investigation, which found “insufficient evidence” that the then chief executive Dave Clark had phoned Dr Wills in September last year threatening him violence.

Following the conclusion of the investigation on 14 October last year, Dr Wills alleged that he had been treated unfairly and the hearing had failed to follow due process.

He said he had been prevented from cross-examining witnesses or hearing and testing all the evidence. Nor was he allowed to legal assistance or the right to sum up.

Yesterday (Wednesday), prior to being interviewed in Lerwick, Dr Wills said he had waived his right to confidentiality, and said he had acted in the public interest when making his statements after the disciplinary hearing.

Advertisement8 of 10

He added: “This was in breach of the Human Rights Act and amounted to a secret trial under arbitrary procedures, where the victim became the accused.

“A further breach occurred when the council leadership deliberately misrepresented the hearing’s finding of ‘insufficient evidence’ as if it were an acquittal.”

Dr Wills also said council convener Sandy Cluness and vice convener Josie Simpson had no authority from the council to use public funds for using lawyers to prepare the complaint against him.

“I will be taking this matter up with Audit Scotland in due course.

“I am also asking the Ethical Standards Commission to investigate the conduct of the convener and vice-convener with regard to several related matters,” he said

The Standards Commission is tasked to ensure that ethical standards in public life are maintained in local authorities and other public bodies such as NHS boards.

The original complaint against Dr Wills was signed by Mr Cluness, Mr Simpson, former chief executive Dave Clark, deputy chief executive Hazel Sutherland and head of legal services Jan Riise.