Councillors to undergo social media refreshers following Mansfield District Council investigation
Councillors at Mansfield District Council are to undergo additional training on how they should use social media.
The news follows the conclusion of an investigation into the conduct of Reform member Coun Martin Wright after a complaint was made for a comment he posted on Facebook.
In his post Coun Wright took exception to the player rating scores given by Chad’s Mansfield Town reporter Georgia Goulding following the Easter Monday draw with Burton Albion.
Using his personal account, Coun Wright wrote: “I started reading this, then I saw how low the scores were. What sort of a Chad clown compiled this piece of journalistic nonsense. Best stick to netball Georgia, football is a step too far for you.”
Following the investigation Coun Wright was found not to have breached Stage 1 of the Council's Corporate Complaints Policy because he was commenting in his personal capacity.
Mansfield District Council's Monitoring Officer Nancy Barnard confirmed no more action was to be taken.
"I can confirm that the complaint was reviewed and investigated in line with the Council’s established procedures,” she said.
“It was determined that the councillor was not acting in their capacity as a councillor at the time of the incident. As such, the Council’s Code of Conduct does not apply and no further formal action can be taken.
“However, I have provided informal advice to the Councillor and we are organising refresher training for all Councillors on how they should use social media."
In a document, revealed to Chad by the complainant, she also added: “I have taken the opportunity both in person and in writing to advise Coun Wright to be mindful of the language he uses in public fora, including on social media and that he should carefully consider how comments he makes in public may be perceived.
“I have also advised him to consider how he can clearly delineate between his actions as a Councillor and as a private individual, for example by establishing separate accounts in relation to his Councillor role.”
Coun Wright currently represents the Holly Forest Town ward on Mansfield District Council.
Coun Wright was contacted for a comment but has not supplied one at the time of publication.