Exeter Councillor Alison Sheridan Cleared After Asylum Hotel Protest

Alison Sheridan, a Conservative Exeter City Councillor, was investigated and subsequently cleared of accusations including bullying, harassment, and bringing the council into disrepute after attending a protest against using a hotel to house asylum seekers while wearing her council lanyard. The council's monitoring officer ruled that Sheridan exercised her right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protected under the European Convention on Human Rights and common law, and did not breach the council's code of conduct. Despite criticism and over 70 complaints from other councillors, local politicians, and activists, the officer noted there is no legal or constitutional restriction preventing councillors from attending protests in their official capacity, although it may be preferable to do so in a personal capacity. Sheridan said she wore the lanyard to be transparent about her presence and described the outcome as a victory for free speech, refusing to apologize or resign. The case highlighted significant public division on asylum and immigration issues and underscored the importance of democratic accountability in allowing elected officials to express their views. The decision emphasized that freedom of expression is not limited by others finding the views offensive or insulting, though good practice suggests councillors avoid wearing identification at protests.