A COUNCILLOR has been cleared in a Code of Conduct investigation prompted by a constituent's complaint.

Brent Council's director of legal and procurement Fiona Ledden examined the actions of Councillor Ruth Moher (Labour) at a meeting of the planning committee at Brent Civic Centre in February when a new primary school was approved for the Wembley High Technology College (WHTC) in East Lane, Wembley.

Complainant Roger Brown, a school neighbour, had questioned whether Mrs Moher, a ward councillor for Fryent who was then deputy leader of the council, had properly declared her interests.

She was at that time a governor and director of the school but has since resigned after being appointed lead member for children and young people.

Mrs Moher said this week: “I didn’t speak as a councillor, I was speaking as a governor.

“I spoke in support of the planning application, and I stayed and watched the meeting.

“I could have spoken as a councillor and would have been given five minutes but I was speaking as a governor and got two.

“I didn’t have a prejudicial or financial interest.

“The chairman of the committee, Councillor Ketan Sheth, noted that I declared I was a governor.”

She said she did not blame Mr Brown for lodging the complaint and acknowledged the primary school plan was a controversial application.

Mrs Moher said: “The majority of people in Wembley will welcome this primary school because of the reputation of the Wembley High Technology College and the shortage of school places.”

Mr Brown said: “I’m not satisfied with Fiona Ledden’s findings and have asked for clarification of the questions I have and would welcome the publication of the chairs’ notes in full.

“At no point in the meeting did Ruth Moher herself declare she was a governor or director of WHTC.”

Fiona Ledden said: “The council takes all complaints against councillors seriously, and careful consideration was given to the allegations made against Councillor Moher.

“Having made proportionate and appropriate enquiries, the council did not consider that there was a breach of the Code of Conduct and no further action will be taken."