A COUNTY council cabinet member has resigned from her post after admitting an “oversight” when declaring conflicts of interest.

Cllr Anna McNair Scott, executive member for adult social care at Hampshire County Council, stood down from her post after concerns over gaps in her declaration of interests were brought to the attention of council leader Cllr Roy Perry.

In a statement, Cllr Perry said: “Specific concerns were brought to my attention on Wednesday of this week that there might be issues with Cllr McNair Scott's declaration of interests.

“These I immediately referred to the chief executive of the county council and Cllr McNair Scott in order to clarify. She realised that there were inadvertent omissions in her declaration.

“At the first opportunity I had to meet with Anna McNair Scott, on her return from the Adult and Children's Social Care Conference in Harrogate, which she had been attending, I discussed these matters with her.

“Anna at once offered me, as leader of the county council, her resignation from the cabinet. She expressed her deep regret at her oversight in failing to provide a complete disclosure of interests, as required in accordance with the county council's Members' Code of Conduct.”

He added the “incompleteness of her declaration was, in her words, a genuine oversight”.

Cllr Perry said: “I had already determined that any decision associated with the care homes consultation should be undertaken by the cabinet as a whole, and that will remain the case.

“We have a substantial and important agenda for improving the quality of care for our older people and I will be advising, in due course, who will be replacing Cllr McNair Scott in this important role.”

The exact details of the issues with the declaration have yet to be revealed.

She will continue to represent her Candovers ward at the authority.

Here is her resignation letter and the response from council leader Roy Perry:

Resignation letter

Dear Roy

This letter is to submit, with much regret, my resignation as executive member for adult social care. On Wednesday, I became aware that a number of questions had been raised in recent days regarding my declaration of interests, this I recognised was not complete. This was a genuine oversight which I immediately sought to rectify.

I wholeheartedly believe that my personal affairs presented no conflict of interest as executive member. I have nevertheless concluded that it would be distracting to the overall work of the county council for me to continue as cabinet member at this time.

I am confident that this is the right decision for both myself and the county council. I will continue to give my support from the backbenches, and I wish both yourself and the administration every success with the challenges that lie ahead.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Anna McNair Scott

Resignation acceptance letter:

Dear Anna

Thank you for your letter of resignation from my cabinet which I have accepted today with regret. I understand that the apparent gaps in your declaration of interests may have been a simple oversight on your part, but I share your conclusion that in the circumstances, it is the correct and honourable thing for you to resign your cabinet role.

Your prompt decision to stand down does you great credit and will come as no surprise to those who know you well. You have always brought a high degree of insight, commitment and compassion to your council duties and for that, I want to place on record my gratitude to you.

I wish you well for your future continued role, serving the County Council and the people of Hampshire.

Yours sincerely Councillor Roy Perry Leader