THE Standards Board for England was abolished in 2012 after years of problems.

Set up a decade earlier to enforce a statutory code of conduct on councillors, it became notorious as a vehicle for petty, vexatious and politically motivated complaints.

Councillors found themselves suspended for legitimate criticism of their council, other councillors or officials.

For this reason, it is worth keeping an eye on the trajectory of the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards, which enforces a statutory code of conduct on councillors here.

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The commissioner’s office has given little cause for concern since it was established in 2014.

The most common criticism is that it is simply too slow, with cases sitting on its books for years.

While the office has its own staff, the commissioner’s role is effectively part-time, with the post-holder – currently Margaret Kelly – also serving as the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, responsible for investigating maladministration by public bodies.

However, a ruling last week against a DUP councillor should be ringing alarm bells.

Colin Kennedy has been suspended from Ards and North Down Borough Council for three months for saying: “Do not be surprised when those who enthusiastically endorse the LGBTQIA........

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