A FORMER council leader who broke his code of conduct has been suspended from serving on committees for 12 months.

A joint standards hearing ruled Conservative Adrian Fluker had breached Maldon Council's code of conduct by making homophobic remarks to a fellow councillor.

Councillors voted to suspend Mr Fluker from sitting on council committees and working parties for 12 months.

A bid to reduce the suspension so it ends in May next year was defeated.

Mr Fluker, who represents Southminster, will also be sent a formal letter of censure by the council.

He quit as council leader in August before the joint standards committee hearing, which he did not attend.

Mr Fluker claimed the allegations against him were "politically motivated".

He has denied being homophobic or a bully.

Thursday night's decision effectively bans him from serving on committees until May 2022 when the following round of council appointments will be made.

But speaking at Thursday night's meeting, Independent councillor Chrisy Morris said: "I would just like to remind all members that Fluker didn't even have the decency to turn up at the joint standards hearing.

"I don't see why we should be cutting him any slack and also he hasn't even apologised sincerely or properly to the people involved."

Mr Fluker will continue to serve as a Southminster councillor.