Keith Mack
City councils are elected to represent the interests of their local communities. However, there are times when they may break the law. For example, in 2025, Trayon White, a Ward 8 Councilmember in Washington, was accused of breaking ethics rules by accepting bribes from a D.C. contractor. In another instance, Glasgow City Council broke the law over 3000 times, yet faced no consequences. In 2024, Blacktown City Council was accused of breaking the law by signing a $42 million deal selling off key council properties to a major Sydney developer without putting the sale to tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| No meaningful acknowledgement of the problem | Glasgow City Council has not acknowledged the problem despite being alerted to it over the past 3 years |
| No consequences for breaking the law | Glasgow City Council has faced no consequences for breaking the law over 3000 times |
| Bribery | Trayon White, a Ward 8 Councilmember, has been charged with accepting bribes from a D.C. contractor |
| Unfair process | Trayon White's lawyer, Fred Cooke Jr., has called the process unfair and threatened to take the Council to court |
| Failure to put the sale to tender | Blacktown City Council has been accused of breaking the law by failing to put the sale of key council properties to tender |
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What You'll Learn
Bribery
Another form of bribery could be offering campaign contributions or donations to a council member in exchange for their support on specific issues or policies. This type of bribery seeks to influence the council member's decision-making process and can undermine the integrity of the political system. It is important to note that bribery is not always a straightforward exchange of money or gifts. It can also involve offering favours, preferential treatment, or other intangible benefits that may be difficult to trace or prove.
To prevent bribery and maintain transparency, city councils should have robust ethics rules and policies in place. These rules should outline clear guidelines for interactions between council members and external stakeholders, including contractors, businesses, and lobbyists. Additionally, disclosure requirements and regular reporting can help identify potential conflicts of interest and deter bribery attempts. Council members should also be provided with training on ethics and integrity, emphasising the importance of upholding the law and serving the public interest.
In summary, bribery is a significant issue that can undermine the integrity and trust in a city council. By understanding the different forms bribery can take and implementing strong ethical guidelines, city councils can work to prevent bribery and maintain the public's trust. When bribery occurs, it is essential to hold those involved accountable and enforce the law to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
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Expulsion from council
In some cases, a city council member may be expelled from the council if they are found to have broken the law. For example, in Washington, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White was facing expulsion from the council after being charged with breaking ethics rules by accepting bribes from a D.C. contractor. However, his lawyer argued that the council was breaking the law by trying to expel him without due process.
In other cases, a city council as a whole may be accused of breaking the law. For instance, Glasgow City Council was accused of breaking the law over 3000 times with no consequences. Similarly, Blacktown City Council in Australia was accused of breaking the law by signing a $42 million deal selling off key council properties to a major developer without putting the sale to tender.
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Unfair process
City councils can break the law in a number of ways, including through unfair processes. For example, in Washington, Trayon White's lawyer argued that the council was breaking the law by trying to expel him from office without due process. White was facing federal bribery charges and his fellow lawmakers gave him a chance to defend himself, but his lawyer, Fred Cooke Jr., spent the time criticising the unfairness of the process and threatening to take the council to court.
In another instance, Glasgow City Council broke the law over 3000 times, yet faced no consequences. Despite efforts from organisations such as Shelter Scotland to highlight the problem through meetings, letters and a formal report, there was no meaningful acknowledgement or improvement.
City councils can also break the law through improper sales of assets. For example, the Blacktown City Council was accused of potentially breaking the law by signing a $42 million deal selling off key council properties to a major Sydney developer without putting the sale to tender.
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Failure to put a sale to tender
In 2024, Blacktown City Council was accused of breaking the law by failing to put a sale to tender. The council had signed a deal to sell off key council properties to a major Sydney developer for the redevelopment of its CBD. The deal was worth $42 million, with the developer promising to deliver a $2 billion redevelopment, including commercial office space and a new private medical facility and research institute. It was argued that this redevelopment would boost the local economy by as much as $1 billion annually.
Failing to put a sale to tender can have serious consequences for the seller. Tendering serves as evidence of a party's readiness, willingness, and ability to close a deal. It demonstrates that the seller has been acting in good faith and was not the cause of any delay or default. Without a tender, the seller may be vulnerable to liability and could face legal repercussions.
In the case of Blacktown City Council, the failure to put the sale to tender meant that the council could be held liable for any delays or issues that arose during the redevelopment process. This could include anything from construction delays to cost overruns, which could ultimately impact the promised economic benefits for the local community.
To avoid such issues, it is essential for both buyers and sellers to seek legal representation when entering into real estate transactions. Proper tendering processes can bolster the position of both parties and ensure a smooth and efficient transaction. By following the correct procedures, city councils can minimise the risk of legal repercussions and maintain the trust and confidence of their constituents.
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Lack of acknowledgement of wrongdoing
City councils can break the law in a number of ways. For example, in Washington, a city council was accused of breaking the law by trying to expel a member, Trayon White, from the council without due process. White had been charged with breaking ethics rules by accepting bribes from a D.C. contractor, but his lawyer argued that the council was acting unlawfully by not allowing him to present evidence of his innocence.
In another case, the Blacktown City Council in Australia was accused of breaking the law by signing a $42 million deal to sell key council properties to a major developer without putting the sale to tender.
In some cases, city councils may not acknowledge or face consequences for their wrongdoing. For instance, despite efforts by Shelter Scotland to highlight that Glasgow City Council was breaking the law, there was no meaningful acknowledgement of the problem and no real improvement on the ground. The council faced no consequences for having broken the law over 3000 times.
It is important for city councils to acknowledge and address any wrongdoing to maintain the trust of their constituents and ensure fair and transparent governance.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the circumstances, but in some cases, there may be no consequences. For example, Glasgow City Council broke the law over 3000 times and faced no repercussions.
Yes, a city council can be taken to court. For example, Trayon White's lawyer threatened to take the council to court.
Yes, a city council can potentially break the law by signing a deal. For example, Blacktown City Council was accused of breaking the law by signing a $42 million deal selling off key council properties to a major developer.
Yes, a city council can potentially break the law by failing to put a sale to tender. For example, Blacktown City Council was accused of breaking the law by failing to put the sale of key council properties to tender.
It depends on the circumstances, but in some cases, a city council may be accused of breaking the law by expelling a member. For example, Trayon White's lawyer accused the council of breaking the law by trying to expel his client from office.
