Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh cleared of any misconduct by watchdog
A public watchdog has “vindicated” the Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh of conduct allegations.
The NI Local Government Commissioner’s Office had previously confirmed that it was assessing a complaint made against the Alliance Alderman.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has now seen a report from the commissioner’s office which has cleared Mayor Amanda Grehan of any conduct breach claims.
It reads: “I have now completed my assessment and concluded that the available evidence does not point to a failure to comply with the code of conduct by Councillor Amanda Grehan.”
The LDRS understands the allegation had been made against Alliance Alderman Amanda Grehan following a chamber vote on “innocent victims” of the Troubles on October 28.
It had been suggested that the Mayor, who chaired the meeting, cast her deciding vote in an impartial manner and against the code of conduct.
Mayor Amanda Grehan said: “I welcome the conclusion of the recent investigation, which fully vindicates my actions.
“My focus has always been, and will remain, on delivering a positive, inclusive year for our city, one where people of all abilities feel seen, valued, and supported.
“A central part of my mayoral year is championing my chosen charity, Action Cancer, and in particular their vital work in breast screening. This is work that truly changes lives, and I am committed to using my platform to support it.
“I will not be sidetracked by the councillor who made this unwarranted and unfounded complaint that seeks to distract from the progress I have made.
“My dedication to serving this community, and to leading with integrity, remains absolutely steadfast.”
The background to the complaint came around a DUP motion to write to Justice Minister Naomi Long to ask her to apologise for suggesting the term ‘innocent victims’ should be changed to ‘victims’ when considering Troubles legacy matters.
A recorded vote was called in the council chamber with an even split of 18 on each side of the motion, this required Mayor Amanda Grehan to cast the deciding vote.
At this point the Mayor who chaired the meeting said: “I need to vote with my party.”
Alliance council group leader, Alderman Aaron McIntyre added: “As expected the investigation has shown that the Mayor acted entirely within the rules of the council and within the Local Government Code of Conduct.
“As councillors, we have a clear responsibility not to burden the commissioner with vexatious and politically motivated complaints. The public deserve better than the tit-for-tat politics that has unfortunately crept into Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
“The complaint was a clear attempt to undermine the positive and constructive work Alderman Grehan has delivered to date in her year as Mayor. Anyone who knows Amanda, or who has engaged with her this year, will recognise that.
“I am pleased that Alderman Grehan has been fully vindicated. I hope all councillors will use the Christmas and New Year period to reflect on their conduct and return in 2026 focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the ratepayers of Lisburn and Castlereagh.”