ALLEGATIONS of bullying against the leader of Braintree Council have been dismissed by the Conservative Party.

Graham Butland, councillor for Great Notley and Black Notley, had been accused of using bullying, intimidating and abusive language and inappropriate behaviour by fellow Tory councillor Chris Siddall.

The Times reported earlier this month Mr Siddall, councillor The Colnes, lodged a complaint against Mr Butland to Conservative Party HQ in May.

The complaint alleged Mr Butland used defamatory language at a hustings event to attack colleagues who were set to challenge him for his leadership role.

However Mr Siddall’s grievance was considered by a panel of senior Conservative Party members, who ruled there had been no “proven breach of the Code of Conduct”.

Mr Butland, who has been leader of Braintree Council since May 2014, said: “I am delighted at the outcome of the Party’s thorough investigation. Having been cleared of the original complaint last year it has been extremely stressful to have to go through it all again. However that is what the Party rules allow.

“I am grateful to colleagues from all political persuasions that have supported me during this very difficult period.

“I trust that Mr Siddall will accept this second dismissal of his complaint and that the media will give as much publicity to its dismissal as it did when news of its submission was leaked.”

The latest incident was the second time Mr Siddall had lodged a complaint against Mr Butland.

He also submitted one to Braintree Council’s Conservative Group in August 2017 - but the group decided Mr Butland had no case to answer in December.

The duo had battled over leadership of Braintree Council’s Conservative Group in the summer last year, with Mr Butland winning by a considerable margin in a vote between members.

A Conservative Party spokesman confirmed the case had been dismissed.