Reports are emerging from the York Council suggesting that 12 Councillors have been found to have broken the Councils Code of Conduct.

The Code covers – amongst other things – the declaration of personal and financial Interests at Council meetings. Part of the Code also requires Councillors to declare their Interests on a publicly available Register which can be found on the Council web site.

It appears that the 12 concerned may not, earlier in the year, have admitted on the register donations made towards their election expenses last May, contrary to the statutory requirements governing their behaviour.

The other 35 Councillors are understood to have made the declarations.

If true, the judgement by the independent Standards Committee would be without precedent in York. Referrals to the committee are rare with previously only a handful of substantiated complaints having been recorded over the last 10 years.

More on this issue will be published here as it becomes available.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Hyman will be the next Lord Mayor of York it has been announced today.
Councillor Hyman, who has represented the Huntington and New Earswick Ward since 2003, will be formally nominated to be Lord Mayor for 2012/13 by Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Carol Runciman at tonight’s Full Council meeting.

Councillor Hyman will serve as Lord Mayor in an important year for the city as it celebrates 800 years of self governance. York will also take part in celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics during Councillor Hyman’s time in office.

Councillor Hyman said he was proud to have been chosen to represent the city as Lord Mayor. He said, “Having lived and worked in York for most of my life this is a great honour and I intend, along with the rest of the Civic Party, to do my best to promote the City in the best possible light.”

“York is the most marvellous place to live and I feel privileged to now play a major role in its history. With so many events taking place throughout the year such as the 800 year celebrations I am sure I will get the opportunity to learn even more about our place as the country’s second city and the jewel in the crown for the North of England.”

Councillor Runciman said she was delighted to be nominating Councillor Hyman to be Lord Mayor. She said, “Having been brought up in York, Keith is well known by many people across the city. He has served this city well for many years and I think he will be an excellent person to take the lead during the 800 celebrations, the Mystery Plays and the Olympic year.”

Councillor Hyman will nominate Haxby & Wigginton Councillor Paul Firth as his Sheriff.