AN EMBARRASSING leaked recording has emerged of council officers talking about councillors behind their backs after a meeting - but then realising they were broadcasting to the public.

In leaked video obtained by The Argus, Arun District Council workers are heard criticising a councillor after a virtual planning meeting on May 26.

Monitoring officer Liz Futcher, whose job is to police staff and councillor conduct, said: “We’re not popular as officers so why should I bother to bend over backwards and help them?”

She is later heard describing one district councillor, June Hamilton, as “like a nodding [unintelligible] you can’t see her.”

Committee services officer Carley Lavender then says: “I swear to God she fell asleep for 20 minutes, I watched her.

“I was like ‘She’s asleep, she’s asleep, she’s asleep. She’s actually asleep.’”

But after nearly three minutes Ms Futcher realised the meeting was still being broadcast to the public.

The Argus: The incident happened after a virtual Arun District Council meeting. Photo: Peter HolmesThe incident happened after a virtual Arun District Council meeting. Photo: Peter Holmes

One officer whispered “Oh my God” while others said they were not recording the meeting.

“We need to shut the meeting down,” said one.

In emails leaked to The Argus, council chief executive Nigel Lynn told staff the recording was deleted from the council website “immediately” and an investigation had been launched into the incident.

But he later wrote the probe had concluded and the staff involved would all return to “normal working arrangements” on June 15.

In an email on May 27 announcing a probe into the incident, Mr Lynn wrote: “I have been advised I should not release the footage to councillors as this could hamper the investigation.”

In another email on the same day Mr Lynn wrote: “I will conduct an investigation with the assistance of the monitoring officer from Chichester District Council.”

Two days later, an email on behalf of the chief announced Ms Futcher would leave the council in August. It made no suggestion she was involved in any wrongdoing.

The Argus: District council chief executive Nigel Lynn announced an investigation into the incidentDistrict council chief executive Nigel Lynn announced an investigation into the incident

“After nearly 35 years of public service at Arun, Liz has decided the time is right for her to make a change and move on to new adventures,” the email read.

“Throughout lockdown Liz has been reflecting and weighing up this decision and has decided now is the time for her to explore a new pathway.”

In a final email relating to the incident, chief Mr Lynn wrote the disciplinary probe had ended and the staff involved would return to work on June 15.

“I think most of you are probably aware after the Development Control Committee on 26 May 2020 the webcasting continued while some officers discussed the meeting,” he wrote.

“The officers obviously thought they were discussing things in private, but they were not.

“The recording was stopped and immediately removed from the council’s website.

“I can assure you all the matter was taken most seriously by myself and a disciplinary process ensued.

“I can confirm the process has now been completed. Staff concerned will resume their normal working arrangements on June 15.”

Opposition leader Councillor Shaun Gunner said the incident “paints a picture of a council in disarray”.

The Argus: Opposition leader Councillor Shaun Gunner said the leak 'painted a picture of a council in disarray'Opposition leader Councillor Shaun Gunner said the leak 'painted a picture of a council in disarray'

“I think it’s extremely disappointing and worrying to hear council staff talking about councillors in this manner,” the Conservative said.

“Combined with other events, this paints a picture of a council that is in disarray: where decisions aren’t being taken by the administration, and where the precious relationship between councillors and council staff is fraying.

“I hope this is not evidence of a wider cultural problem at Arun, as, particularly at a time of crisis, this needs to resolved for the good of the district.”

The district council is governed by a Lib Dem-Independent coalition.

A council spokeswoman said: “Arun District Council can confirm that this matter was dealt with in line with our internal processes and the matter is now closed.”

The Argus received no reply from Ms Futcher or Ms Lavender when it requested comment from them through the district council.