A motion put forward by mayor Greg Howard was upheld at the council’s meeting on Monday night against Councillor Lawrence Archer.

Cr Howard alleged Cr Archer released information from a closed council session to the region’s community newspaper. 

The motion passed five votes to one, but Cr Archer has maintained that he will not stand down. 

“I was elected to represent the people of Dorset and I will continue to,” he said. 

Cr Archer gave an opening address to the council at its Monday meeting, before taking a seat in the public gallery. 

“I told them I hadn’t breached the Local Government Act. I still deny I released information that was held in closed council because it was available else where,” Cr Archer said.

“I will continue to advocate for transparency and integrity at Dorset.”

Cr Howard said some councillors expressed extreme disappointment that the information had been released. 

“A couple of councillors said they found it very difficult to have any confidence in [Cr Archer] now." 

Cr Howard said he would be taking the matter to the director of local government. Cr Archer said he looked forward to a proper opportunity to refute the allegations made against him. 

Councillor Sheryl Martin was the only one who voted against the motion.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said disclosure of confidential information was an offence under the Local Government Act and that allegations of information being disclosed should be referred to the local government director for investigation.