Councillor to be investigated over 'evil' remark

A councillor who was heard to describe some children in care as "downright evil" is being investigated for an alleged breach of the members' code of conduct.

Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed an investigation into the allegation against Reform UK member Andy Osborn is taking place after a complaint was lodged.

Osborn made the comments regarding children in care at a children and young people committee in June.

He told the meeting that some children in care were "not just naughty children, they can be downright evil".

Osborn said he had heard of cases where children were "smashing cars up, running away from home, and are on drugs".

The county council's executive director of children, education and families, Martin Purbrick, reminded the meeting at the time that children in care needed support due to the trauma they had experienced.

He said sometimes the childhood trauma young people had experienced could "lead to difficult behaviours and emotional responses".

He added that the authority needed to make sure they have "good quality consistent care" so that they can become adults able to achieve their ambitions.

Osborn was later replaced on the committee by another Reform UK councillor.

A spokesperson for the county council said: "Following a complaint, our Monitoring Officer carried out a review, in consultation with an Independent Person.

"As a result, we are now investigating an allegation that Cllr Osborn has breached the Members' Code of Conduct.

"This investigation is expected to take several weeks, and it would not be appropriate to comment further."

Osborn was approached for comment.

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external.