A Conservative local councillor who sits on Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Panel is serving a 14-month drink-driving ban.
Boyd Elliott, Nottinghamshire County Councillor for the Calverton ward and a Gedling Borough Councillor, had his case heard at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 17 December last year.
He was convicted of a drink-driving offence and disqualified from driving for 14 months.
Senior Labour politicians say the conviction raises questions about Cllr Elliott’s position in office, but Conservatives have stated he is “deeply apologetic” and have backed him to remain as a councillor.
A Nottinghamshire Conservatives spokesman said:
“We are aware that Cllr Boyd Elliott appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court late last year in relation to a drink-driving offence, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and was dealt with accordingly.
“Cllr Elliott is deeply apologetic for his actions and recognises that he has let both himself and his family down.
“Although now serving a period of disqualification from driving, the legal ramifications do not otherwise impact Cllr Elliott’s ability to carry out his duties as the county councillor for Woodborough, Lambley, and Calverton.
“During his tenure as an elected member, Cllr Elliott has been a strong and steadfast advocate for his community and has an excellent track record of supporting his residents and delivering on their priorities.
“Subject to the result of May’s County Council election, we have every confidence that he will continue to do so.”
Cllr Elliott also sits as a member of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel, which scrutinises the actions and decisions made by Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden (Lab).
The panel supports and challenges the police commissioner in his duties, ensuring his actions align with the priorities of community safety partners, among other responsibilities.
In a joint statement, Labour MPs Michael Payne and Michelle Welsh – who represent the Gedling and Sherwood Forest constituencies, respectively – said:
“Drink-driving is a serious criminal offence that puts lives at risk.
“The public rightly expect high standards from those who serve them in public office – this flagrant disregard for drink-driving laws falls well short of the standards expected by the public.
“There are now serious questions regarding fitness for public office and whether Cllr Elliott should be representing the people of Nottinghamshire on the city and county’s Police and Crime Panel, as well as continuing to serve as a county councillor with responsibility for road safety across Nottinghamshire.”
