THE Standards Board will be asked to examine the conduct of a Newent town councillor.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday, Coun Len Lawton said if the council did not report Coun Barry Wellington to the board, he would do it himself.

Coun Lawton criticised the actions of Coun Wellington in actively supporting the council's former deputy clerk, Jocelyn Herath, in bringing a claim for unfair dismissal.

Last week, the council was told it would have to pay a total of £17,500 compensation.

Coun Lawton also criticised Coun Wellington over an exchange with the clerk.

In response, Coun Wellington said: "There's going to be a bit of a queue at the Standard Board's counter."

The board has already examined the actions of the mayor, Fred Passant, Coun Lawton and Coun Peter Street after a complaint relating to the deputy clerk's dismissal from Coun Wellington.

It has ruled that there is no case to answer but that is now subject to appeal.

The council is also in dispute with its professional advisors over the tribunal outcome and will not pay the bill until it gets answers to its questions over the advice given.