Analysis: What is a "declaration of interest" (and does it matter)?

Once again at the Parish Council meeting earlier this week a member of the public raised the issue of the declarations of interest made by Cllr Tony Ewer at previous meetings

What is a “declaration of interest”, why is it important and what does it mean for how our Councillors conduct their business?

The Parish Council’s definition of “interest” was agreed at the Annual Parish Meeting in May this year. Ironically it was proposed by Cllr Ewer and was unanimously agreed.

What have we said previously

• chilbolton.news comment - July 2025

What have villagers said

• “It’s all very smelly”
• Sue Larcombe withdraws her interest
• Julian Hudson withdraws his interest

What has the Monitoring Officer said

In my view, these circumstances are such that, in context, the interest is not insignificant and is of the type that a reasonable member of the public would be likely to call into question the public interest. I have advised Mr Ewer of this and that my advice and recommendation is that he should not take part in items of business relating to this interest.