Councillors may have to take random drug tests

The leader of a council will consider introducing random drug testing for councillors.

Jeremy Newmark from Hertsmere Borough Council in Hertfordshire made the comment in a response to a written question from his Labour Party colleague Linda Smith.

She asked ahead of a meeting on Wednesday whether he supported random testing of councillors for the use of Class A drugs, such as cocaine, MDMA and heroin.

In response, the leader accepted "that there may be a case for such testing and, subject to consultation with group leaders, will consider asking officers to look into the implications of this in both legal and wider contexts".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Newmark added: "The law imposes harsh penalties for Class A drug offences.

"As a council, we work in partnership with the police to tackle drug-related crime through property closures, tenancy enforcement, community safety initiatives and support services.

"Any involvement of elected members in Class A is clearly incongruous with this agenda."

Anybody found in possession of Class A drugs can be subject to imprisonment of up to seven years or an unlimited fine.

Hertsmere Borough Council is made up of 39 elected councillors - two Reform, four Independent, eight Liberal Democrats, 12 Labour & Co-operative and 13 Conservative.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.