Council's Standards Committee censures Councillor Subash Mohindra

Council's Standards Committee censures Councillor Subash Mohindra

Councillor Mohindra, the Ward Member for Upton Ward, has been censured by the Council’s Standards Committee for breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct.

Two separate complaints were heard against Councillor Mohindra by the Standards Committee on 16 July and 7 August 2026, both relating to allegations of bullying, disrespect and inappropriate use of position.

The Committee found that all breaches of the Code were proven in each case. 

Paragraph 1 – Councillors must treat members of the public with respect.

Cllr Mohindra showed a clear lack of respect to an individual member of the public and operatives at Bucks Car Repairs. Cllr Mohindra showed no interest in understanding the views or position of these individuals. Elected members serve the public as a whole and should not get involved in private neighbour disputes nor unreasonably take the side on one section of the community over the needs and rights of another. 

Paragraph 2 – Councillors must not bully any person. This is particularly important in relation to members of the public where there is often a power imbalance between an elected representative and the individual.

Cllr Mohindra bullied an individual member of the public and operatives at Bucks Car Repairs by repeatedly asserting the position of other residents and failing to consider the legitimate position of the complainants. In relation to Bucks Car Repairs, this included threatening to call the police and having the premises closed down. 

Paragraph 6 – Councillors must not use or attempt to use their position improperly to the advantage or disadvantage of themselves or anyone else.

Cllr Mohindra sought to use his position as a councillor to seek an outcome that specific residents sought to the disadvantage of another resident and a legitimate business. He failed to consider the rights of these individuals and failed to demonstrate impartiality, leading to him becoming over involved in private disputes between neighbours. 

The behaviour of Cllr Mohindra did not represent the high standards expected for elected representatives.

An aggravating feature was the fact Cllr Mohindra had chosen not to apologise or show remorse for his poor behaviour.

The Committee recommended that Cllr Mohindra be censured and attend training on his role as a councillor and in particular as a ward councillor and that an offer to participate in conciliation is made to representatives of Bucks Car Repairs.

Cllr Dexter Smith, Chair of the Standards Committee, stated: "The findings of the Standards Committee regarding Councillor Mohindra’s conduct are concerning.

“As elected representatives, we are entrusted with upholding the highest standards of behaviour and treating residents with respect.

“The Committee’s decision highlights significant breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct, including bullying, disrespect and inappropriate use of position.

“The role of a ward councillor can be challenging, particularly when there is conflict within a community.

“Councillors must navigate these situations with sensitivity and an open mind and should seek advice from officers where appropriate.

“Councillors should act as a bridge between the community and the Council, however this requires understanding the issues in the ward, representing the whole community, including speaking up for the unheard, ensuring that the views of local people are understood by the Council to inform decision-making and listening and responding to the concerns of individuals and the wider community.

“This does not involve unreasonably taking the side of one resident over another, threatening to close down legitimate businesses, intervening in private disputes or bullying behaviour such as repeatedly attending premises and requesting that officers attend in a manner that diverts resources inappropriately. 

“Such behaviour has no place in local government, where collaboration and mutual respect are essential.

“The Committee’s sanctions, including public censure and training, are appropriate and necessary steps to reinforce the standards expected of all councillors. 

“The Committee also recommended that its Inclusive Leadership Charter is reported to Full Council in September and at Annual Council in future years.

“This sets out our collective pledge for how we engage with each other and our communities to better serve all who live, work and visit our town.”