I will now take time to reflect on my next steps... I ask for my privacy to be respected

It was announced on Monday evening that Nick Kemp has been cleared of a breach of Newcastle City Council’s code of conduct, following a complaint made by a senior director last year. The Byker ward councillor resigned as council leader in September 2024, days after the allegations by Michelle Percy emerged, and has consistently denied wrongdoing.

He has since also quit the Labour Party and now represents the East End and Associates Independents, while Ms Percy also left her role as the council’s director of investment and growth this summer.

An investigation conducted by law firm Bevan Brittan has now concluded he did not breach the code of conduct, in the context of the “enhanced protection” under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to freedom of expression in a political context.

However, a copy of that report seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) adds that their ruling “is not to be taken as a finding that the Councillor’s behaviour was always acceptable” and that he “could certainly have conducted himself in a less confrontational and aggressive manner at times”.

His actions are described as sometimes “unreasonable” and having “created a tense atmosphere”, but it was found that there was “no evidence to suggest that the Councillor engaged in personal attacks”.

It also concludes that the council itself could have acted sooner to deal with Ms Percy’s concerns.

In a statement on Tuesday, Coun Kemp said that he received the conclusions “with no sense of jubilation or triumph” and that the accusations had “cost my family, my friends and my business dearly”. 

He added that the financial cost of the inquiry to city taxpayers, which was stated in July this year as already being more than £74,000, could have been put to more “positive benefit” and  “further compromises the once sterling reputation of the City Council”.

Full statement released by Coun Kemp

“I endorse the press statement issued by Newcastle City Council early [Monday] evening.  Almost one year to the day I issued a statement confirming my resignation as the Leader of the City Council and the Labour Party as a result of the disclosure of sensitive information relating to a confidential internal council process. 

“Namely, a complaint had been made by a senior council officer, alleging I had failed to show respect to them, that I had bullied and harassed them.  The complainant alleged that in doing so, I had failed to uphold the high standards outlined in the Newcastle City Council Code of Conduct for Members.  

“In the statement, I confirmed my confidence there was no case for me to answer and that I would be vindicated of the allegations made.  I have consistently maintained this position. I make this statement now, in response to the untimely disclosure of the findings of the full and very comprehensive, independent investigation that followed.

“It was with no sense of jubilation or triumph, that I received the news that the solicitor who investigated the complaint agrees with the position I set out at that time.  He has found that the complainant’s allegations could not be substantiated.  

“For the avoidance of doubt,  he has found that in delivering my role as Leader of Newcastle City Council, my behaviours were entirely consistent with the Code of Conduct for Members and compliant with the laws that govern these matters. With the passage of time and the opportunity for pause and reflection, I trust the former Senior Officer now recognises this. 

“The independent investigation commissioned by Newcastle City Council has cost the council tax payers and residents of this great city a significant sum. In this challenging environment, those funds could have been used for positive benefit. It further compromises the once sterling reputation of the City Council.

“The allegations made have cost my family, my friends and my business dearly.  They damaged me politically, professionally and personally.  Notwithstanding the above, I now have the opportunity to rebuild and refocus.

“I have always remained committed to serving the residents of Byker to the best of my ability, most recently as an independent councillor.  I will, as always, champion this great city as positively and enthusiastically as before.

“I will now take time to reflect on my next steps. During this time, I ask for my privacy and the privacy of my family to be respected.”