Lisburn councillor suspended for one month over ‘intimidatory behaviour’

A Lisburn councillor will be suspended for one month over “intimidatory behaviour” towards a council staff member.

Independent councillor Gary Hynds received the sanction following an adjudication hearing on Tuesday.

It came after an incident in the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council chamber on June 25 2024 between Mr Hynds and a senior member of council staff.

An investigation was carried out by the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards and Mr Hynds agreed that his behaviour had been intimidatory, however denied that his actions amounted to bullying or harassment.

While Mr Hynds was said to have believed he was motivated by the public interest, he agreed to issue an apology to the senior council officer for his behaviour.

Adjudication commissioner Ian Gordon concluded that the most appropriate sanction was a one-month suspension.

In a statement issued through his solicitor, Mr Hynds said: “At all times, I have acted in what I believed to be in the best interests of my constituents and highlighted important issues that I believe all constituents have a right to know about. I believe in transparency and public accountability.

“I accept the decision of the adjudicating commissioner Mr Gordon and I will continue to hold Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to account on all matters of public importance.”