Dacorum Borough Council ‘not safe for women’ claims councilor

Last month, a separate independent report commissioned by the council concluded that Tindall was likely to have “sexually harassed” a councilor who “didn’t feel comfortable being left alone in a room” with him.

Tindall told investigators: “I just wouldn’t dream of doing that kind of thing,” adding that he had “never used sexual connotations with colleagues.”

At a closed-door hearing, the authority’s standards committee rejected findings about his alleged conduct.

Pringle disclosed the nature of those complaints to council leadership as part of her role as whip.

She said her colleagues felt “absolutely betrayed, but not surprised” by the verdict, adding that they felt “if they stayed within the party it would condone the behavior.”

She told the BBC she witnessed “a complete disregard for the interests of women, particularly women who are victimized, bullied, harassed and sexually harassed within the party.”

A council spokesperson said that while the authority understood that complainants were disappointed with the results, it was satisfied that all processes and procedures had been followed correctly.

It said it had “advised the complainants on the next steps available to them” but “cannot comment” on party political allegations.

Tindall said: “The whole matter about the malicious allegations against me was dealt with by the standards committee and there was no case to be answered and neither complaint was upheld.

“What disappoints me is that these individuals, chosen by the voters, chose to follow personal ambitions and not support party objectives.”