A COUNCIL leader has been found to have made threatening gestures and a homophobic remark to members of council.

Monitoring officer Simon Quelch released a report ahead of a joint standards committee set to be held today.

The probe looked into complaints against Adrian Fluker for making a ‘throat-slit’ gesture at a meeting and saying “Hello Sailor” to a fellow councillor.

The report says that three complaints were made by Independent councillors Chrisy Morris, Wendy Stamp and Carlie Mayes after a council meeting on September 12 last year.

Mr Quelch said: “The first complaint… alleged that Councillor Fluker carried out a cut-throat gesture aimed at two councillors; Councillor Siddall and Councillor Fleming, following a vote on which they abstained. Councillor Stamp stated that she had witnesses a cut-throat gesture aimed at Councillor Fleming. Councillor Stamp stated that the behaviour was shocking and unacceptable.

“Councillor Mayes stated that the gesture was distressing and offensive.

“Councillor Morris stated that he had been advised that the gesture had been made and that any gesture of this nature was threatening and was not acceptable to be directed at any party, especially a female. He stated that this behaviour was of a bullying nature, was disrespectful and should not be tolerated.”

All three said they felt the code of conduct had been breached.

Mr Quelch added: “I am satisfied that a gesture was made at the meeting which involved a drawing of the hand across the throat. I am also satisfied that Councillor Fluker used the term ‘Hello Sailor’ following a discussion in which Councillor Siddall had confirmed that he sailed.”

Mr Fluker claims he was not aware of the connotations it had or that it would cause offence.

The report said that after leaving the meeting, he realised the possible homophobic nature of the comment and had since apologised to Mr Siddall.

Councillor Siddall had confirmed that he found the comment offensive and was “disgusted by it”.

Mr Fluker said he meant the throat-slit gesture as a signal to ‘stop and move on’.

Mr Quelch said: “Councillor Fluker stated that he has used this gesture in the past and that it was a means of communicating to the Conservative group members to cease some activity.”

The council will decide tonight on what action should be taken against the council leader.

He could be given a formal censure, be removed from committees or be stripped of his role as leader.