Committee on Standards and Privileges Publishes Report on a Complaint Against Mr Timothy Gaston MLA

The complaintwas investigated by the independent Assembly Commissioner for Standards, Dr Melissa McCullough, who, having established the facts to the required standard of proof,has found that the Mr Gastondid not breach the Code (rules 13 and 15).  

In adjudicating on the case, the Committee has concurred with the findings of the Commissioner that Mr Gaston did not breach the Code. However, the Committee has concluded that Mr Gaston’s behaviour amounted to a failure to observe the Respect Principle, which is one of the principles of conduct set out in the Code. 

The Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, Cathy Mason MLA said: “The Committee takes any allegation of a breach of the Assembly Code of Conduct very seriously. Therefore, it was right that an independent investigation was carried out in order toestablish the facts around the allegations made. The Committee’s report includes the Commissioner’s investigation report, which sets out the factual findings, analysis and reasoning from her investigation of the complaint. 

The Chairperson concluded: “Whilst the Member has been found not to have breached the Code, the Committee has concluded that, by his excessive comments towards the witness, he failed toobserve the Respect Principle. It is important that Members should at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the Assembly and that Members should show respect and consideration for others at all times.” 

• Read the full report.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Sinead Murphy  
Deputy Communications Officer 
Northern Ireland Assembly 
Mobile: 0789 9864 368 
Email:Sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk    

Notes to Editor:

Read further information on the work of the Committee, including Membership.