At its full council meeting in July, Cllr Tom Daly, cabinet member for energy projects used his platform as an opportunity to launch into a personal speech about the Israel and Palestine conflict.

Cllr Daly, the green district councillor for East Suffolk council’s Aldeburgh and Leiston ward, upset many in attendance during his speech, citing graphic details of “grave war crimes in Gaza, child murder, systemic rape and torture”. His comments led to several complaints to the council’s monitoring officer and requests for the council’s constitution to be tightened up.

Many strongly felt it was highly inappropriate for Cllr Daly to use his Cabinet member position at the meeting to project his personal views. The segment is specifically meant for reporting on local activities within his portfolio.

The complaints on his conduct were upheld and escalated to the council’s Constitution Review Group. Changes have since been made. At yesterday’s full council meeting, chair of the council, Cllr Anthony Speca, stated:

‘The constitution has been clarified. Announcements are now defined specifically in the constitution within the glossary, along with speeches and motions. Announcements are now factual statements by certain members of the council – the chair, vice chair, the leader and members of cabinet.

Those factual statements must be germane to the office held. They are not pronouncement speeches or motions and that has been clarified in the constitution.’

Conservative group leader, Cllr Mark Jepson who led on the request for a change said:

‘I am very pleased the constitution review group has agreed with my concerns that cabinet announcements should be restricted to their specific portfolio and not be used to make personal statements which may not reflect the council’s view.

This is not the first time this has happened, councillors need to respect the position they hold and act accordingly. To make such a statement without the consent or agreement of us all is unacceptable.’