A councillor from the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Michael Baird, has been suspended from his party for a period of “up to six months” following a complaint linked to a previous breach of the councillor’s code of conduct. This decision comes after a panel from the Standards Commission for Scotland found that Baird had failed to declare a non-financial interest during a meeting of the Sutherland County Committee on January 23, 2024.
Baird, who represents the area of North, West and Central Sutherland, had already faced a two-month suspension from attending full council meetings as a result of the previous misconduct. The recent suspension by the Scottish Liberal Democrats is a consequence of a complaint related to the findings of the Standards Commission panel.
While the investigation is underway, Baird will serve as an independent councillor. A spokesperson for the Scottish Liberal Democrats stated, “As a result of a complaint made to the Liberal Democrats, Michael Baird has been suspended from the party for up to six months while an investigation takes place.”
This marks the second suspension for Baird within a span of just over six months, raising concerns about his conduct as an elected official. The party’s decision to suspend him reflects a commitment to uphold the integrity of its members and maintain public trust in local governance. The ongoing investigation will determine the next steps regarding Baird’s status within the party and his future role as a councillor.
As the situation develops, it remains essential for all local representatives to adhere to the standards expected of them, ensuring transparency and accountability in their roles.
