Colchester councillor Patricia Moore breached code of conduct

West Mersea and Pyefleet councillor Patricia Moore said she will no longer stand for election next month following the decision.

The investigation into her conduct examined four complaints made about her by West Mersea town councillor Chris Wood.

A report published by an independent council appointed investigator revealed she referred to councillors “hating each other”, adding: “Elect Muppets – get a comedy show.”

Action - Mrs Moore said she will not be standing for re-election next month following the decision (Image: Newsquest)

One complaint alleged Mrs Moore brought Colchester Council into “serious disrepute” by making statements in the publication Mersea Life in July 2022.

The comments were made in an article under the heading "Cllr. Pat Moore CBC News".

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A Colchester Council Governance and Audit Committee has now determined Mrs Moore’s behaviour breached two elements of a code of conduct.

She was found to have not treated others with respect “on more than one occasion” and to have disclosed confidential information relating to the complaints levelled against her.

Councillor - Patricia Moore represented Mersea and Pyefleet on Colchester Council (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

The committee recommended Mrs Moore should be issued with a reprimand and given extra training on adherence to the code of conduct.

A final decision will be made at the next meeting of full council.

Following the committee meeting, Mrs Moore told the Gazette: “Because of the way the complaints system works I have endured six months of stress and frustration.

“The fight or flight reaction to unresolved attacks releases chemicals into the body that are not nice to live with.

“My darling husband has had to deal with a wife whose nerves have been stretched to the limit.

“Although I had already felt that eight years of being a councillor was probably enough for me, I have made up my mind not to seek re-election.

“There have been many times these past months when I have been tempted to resign but I was elected to serve the people of Mersea and Pyefleet ward against all odds so will stick it out until May.”

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