COUNCILLORS have given mixed reactions to a new code of conduct meant to crack down on bullying and harassment in local authorities.

The code for councillors was approved by the Scottish Government with a new provision to re-enforce bad behaviour as a breach of the code.

Kilpatrick Councillor Lawrence O’Neill said elected politicians know when they go too far sometimes in debates or arguments.

But he told the Post: “It will be interesting - I don’t know if the changes to the code will make a big difference.”

Councillor Danny Lennie added: "I fully back this amendment to the code of conduct, but I find it disgusting this has to be done.

"We should be treating everyone with dignity and respect, those who can't need to get out."

Council leader Jonathan McColl did not reply to a request for comment. Councillors Martin Rooney, Diane Docherty, John Mooney and Karen Conaghan were also approached for their views.

The changes to the code came into effect on July 9, and have been heralded as “progressive” by the convener of the Standards Commission for Scotland (SCS) – the independent ethics watchdog which is responsible for encouraging high standards of behaviour by members of all Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

But West Dunbartonshire Community Party councillor Jim Bollan slammed the code.

He said: “The code of conduct is used by the establishment as a tool to suppress and stifle open public debate and discussion in local councils.

“It is part of the overarching control mechanism used by the system to ensure their rules and narrative are followed.

“The misnamed code of conduct is really about censorship and control.”

The SCS convener, Professor Kevin Dunion, said the code exists to ensure even the most robust debates remain civilised and “do not descend into insulting or disruptive behaviour”.

He said: “We consider that, at a time when there is a great deal of concern about such issues, the public have a right to expect certain standards of behaviour and to have confidence that if an elected member falls short of these then action will be taken.

“Councillors should be able to carry out their functions without fellow elected members, council employees or members of the public having to tolerate inappropriate behaviour in their dealings with them.

“That is what the strengthened code makes clear.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “The code sets out, openly and clearly, the standards of conduct that must be adhered to by councillors.

“It exists to help ensure public confidence in councillors, not to stifle them.”