A councillor has been cleared of allegations of bullying a former district councillor.

Rochford District Council’s standards sub-committee members attended a meeting regarding councillor Neil Hookway, leader of the Ukip group, who was accused of intimidating Conservative Rochford parish councillor Jo McPherson.

Ms McPherson was involved in a heated Facebook conversation with Mr Hookway, which took place on June 26 and 27 this year.

The conversations were about local parish council issues.

Ms McPherson believed Mr Hookway personally attacked her and also questioned her integrity.

The hearing concluded councillor Hookway was close to breaching Rochford Council’s Code of Conduct.

He was also ordered to undertake a social media policy training course within three months.

They also concluded he spoke in the capacity of a parish councillor.

Chairman of the committee, Carol West, said: “Councillor Hookway claimed the complainant was providing fake and inaccurate statements.

“The sub-committee has carefully considered which role he was undertaking, that of the District or that of the Parish.

“The sub-committee is of the view that the tone and language of the responses from councillor Hookway were unacceptable and inappropriate.

“This was particularly the case in the comments which questioned the integrity of the complainant.

“We have carefully considered the allegations and concluded that the pattern and content of the comments were very close to that which would be regarded as bullying.

“But after full consideration it was decided it fell just short of that which was required to maintain a breach.”

Mr Hookway said: “It concerns me that this individual would make false accusations to attempt to darken my reputation and use other Conservative supporters and her friends as evidence.

“Ultimately, this matter would be judged by a panel with a majority of Conservative councillors and former colleagues.”