Nub News editor Philip Evans comments on a petition being backed by internet sensation Jackie Weaver and why he's supporting it.

The wonderful Jackie Weaver, who became an overnight sensation when she put a few misbehaving councillors in their place, is back in the news – Nub News.

Readers will recall she shot to fame when she booted the unruly chair of Handforth Parish Council in Cheshire out of a virtual meeting back in December.

Now she is urging people to sign a national petition pressing the government to amend legislation to enable councillors to be disqualified or suspended for breaching relevant Codes of Conduct.

Having been long concerned about the declining standard of behaviour by local councillors, I immediately signed up.

If you go to the Axminster Nub News website, you will see in an exclusive interview obtained by our reporter in Sandbach, Deborah Bowyer, on why Jackie Weaver believes this is a national issue and it is time it was sorted.

Having spent more hours than I care to remember covering local council meetings, I have become increasingly disturbed by those councillors who blatantly ignore the code of conducts that have been laid down to maintain standards. The problem is the code has no teeth in punishing the offenders.

Let me make it clear, most of those who serve their communities in this manner are good people who do an excellent job. For some, of course, at district, county and metropolitan level, the expenses paid are akin to drawing a salary. If you become leader of one of thee councillors, it can be a very lucrative living.

At parish level, the expenses are limited and many councillors don't even both to claim them.

It is at parish level where the standard of behaviour often leaves much to be desired. And I'm sure it's what Jackie Weaver, as a chief officer of an association of local councils, has experience at the grass roots which has encouraged her to launch the campaign to amend legislation which will enable such behaviour to be dealt with.

This is particularly relevant in my hometown (Lyme Regis) at this time. The town council, on which I once served, has a reputation for councillors falling out with each other and venting their disputes in public.

Not so long ago, half of the complaints to the Dorset Council monitoring officer, who deals with complaints about councillors, came from Lyme Regis.

A couple of weeks ago there was a row at the start of a council meetings which degenerated into councillors shouting across the council chamber as four members, including the mayor, walked out.

It was a latest in a number of incidents which have led to councillors walking out in high dudgeon.

I listened to the recording of the meeting and was flabbergasted. I am surprised it was not picked up by the national press. Perhaps not as bad as Handforth, but very close.

Most people have no interest in local government unless there is a problem in their area. Attendance by the public at council meetings is very poor right across the country.

But one good thing about the pandemic, when councillors were unable to meet in person, was that the public were able to watch council meetings by video link. Some were shocked by the saw.

Councils in East Devon have had their moments in recent times. The long-running problems at Honiton Town Council has been well document by the Press.

The alleged bullying culture at East Devon District Council following the independents taking control after 40 years of Tory rule, left many members feeling ashamed. And Colyton Parish Council has some form when it comes to disputes about their governance.

At least in the Axe Valley both Axminster and Seaton Town Councils dispense their responsibilities in a friendly and mature matter. That's not to say they always agree but they manage to keep a lid on any major disagreements and generally work hard for the community without rancour.

If you feel strongly that our elected representatives should be held accountable if they step outside acceptable levels of behaviour, then support Jackie Weaver's campaign and sign her position. It will help to make your community a better place.