Swiggs takes swing at 'farce'

Cr Deon Swiggs has denied the allegations. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Former city councillor Deon Swiggs has hit out at the city council. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Ousted city councillor Deon Swiggs has labelled the city council’s handling of allegations of misconduct against him as a “farce.”

Mr Swiggs lost his Central Ward city council seat in the local body elections following allegations he sent “grossly inappropriate” messages to young people.

He has denied any misconduct, which came to the attention of media when voting packs arrived in mailboxes last month.

Mr Swiggs said he has “no idea” as to whether the city council will be continuing with the code of conduct investigation against him.

New city council chief executive Dawn Baxendale said there is a number of matters the city council needs to deal with after the elections before making a decision on the investigation.

“We will advise you if and when we are in a position to make any statement regarding the code of conduct process with Deon Swiggs,” she said.

Mr Swiggs labelled the process a “farce.”

“We should all question whether or not we live in a democracy,” Mr Swiggs said.

The city council said it had followed the steps in the code of conduct process

He said it has “become increasingly clear the leak of the complaint to the media was politically motivated.

“The damage this complaint did to my campaign is reflected in the ballot box result,” Mr Swiggs said.

“The least the council could do now is give me some direction regarding their plans.”

Mr Swiggs lost his seat to The People’s Choice candidate Jake McLellan by 1078 votes.

He also labelled the code of conduct process as “not fit for purpose.”

City council general manager of citizens and community Mary Richardson said it has not received any complaints of political interference in the elections.