A Sutton councillor is facing a formal Code of Conduct hearing following three separate complaints about his behaviour.
Councillor Sheldon Vestey, one of Sutton’s two Labour councillors, is accused of breaching council rules in his use of email, social media, and confidential information.
The upcoming Code of Conduct hearing stems from a breakdown in relations between Councillor Vestey and members of the Conservative and Independent groups, which led to an unsuccessful mediation attempt. If the panel finds he breached the code, he could face formal reprimand and be required to complete mandatory training.
The first complaint, made in November 2023 by Conservative Councillor Tim Crowley, alleged that Cllr Vestey misused his council email account to send unsubstantiated claims about a fellow councillor. Cllr Crowley, who represents the Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward, was also previously the Leader of the Sutton Conservative group.
Two further complaints were received in May 2024, one of which was submitted anonymously. The other was submitted by Independent Beddington Councillor Nick Mattey and raised similar concerns around social media posts and the use of council resources.
Following investigations, an independent report found that Cllr Vestey may have breached paragraphs 3, 6, and 14 of the councillor Code of Conduct. These sections require councillors to treat others with respect, avoid bullying or harassment, and use council resources appropriately.
The complaints are now set to be heard together at a formal Code of Conduct Hearing Panel on Thursday (July 17). While the panel cannot suspend Cllr Vestey, remove his allowance, or disqualify him, they can issue sanctions such as mandated training, official reprimands, removal from duties or resources, and public disclosures.
The panel may also publish its findings or recommend further training. Councillor Colin Stears, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, will announce the panel’s decision at the end of next week’s hearing.
In April 2024, Cllr Vestey alleged another councillor had harassed him which led to that member’s suspension. An exclusive report by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) highlighted Cllr Vestey’s allegations of inappropriate online behaviour, which led to Cllr Alvarez’s temporary suspension by the Conservative Party. This followed a two-year feud between the pair.
At the time the Met Police warned Cllr Alvarez to stop contact unless it was work-related, but no arrests were made.
Since his election to the Hackbridge ward in 2022, Cllr Vestey has missed a significant number of council meetings, although he has previously stated that this is due to family commitments.
In response to the allegations and formal hearing, Cllr Vestey told the LDRS: “I remain concerned that this matter has proceeded to a formal hearing despite serious underlying context. The complaints arose only after an opposition colleague was severely rebuked and suspended by their own party for sexual harassment, became the subject of repeated police involvement and an arrest enquiry, and after the council confirmed it had no power to act.
“One complainant has since tried to withdraw but was not permitted to do so. I have also been made aware that council staff have felt under pressure or intimidated into resigning during this process, which raises further concern. With no meaningful support or safeguarding recourse, I had no option but to act internally to protect myself and others.
“Sexual harassment has no place in any workplace, and victims should not be targeted. This case exposes serious gaps in how local authorities can respond, and it is vital safeguarding is never undermined by political considerations.”
A Sutton Council spokesperson said: “This is a code of conduct matter and it would be inappropriate for us to comment.”
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