Knox councillor Peter Lockwood has been suspended for one month after two of his colleagues alleged he called them “f***wits” and told them to “f*** off” during last year's mayoral election debate.

The suspension is the second sanction against Lockwood, who was previously suspended from March to April due to claims of being “very disruptive” during a meeting which eventually saw Knox Council commit $15,000 towards installing red bows at selected retail precincts last Christmas.

🤬 How it happened: On November 20, Knox Council held its mayoral election, which lasted 11 voting rounds before councillors reached agreement on appointing Paige Kennett as mayor and Chris Duncan as deputy mayor.

  • On February 9, councillors Robert Williams and Susan Pearce lodged a misconduct complaint alleging Lockwood swore at them in the council chamber and during an adjournment during the meeting, behaving in a way that was intimidating and that made them feel unsafe.

  • They alleged Lockwood described Pearce as “always trouble” and “always complain[ing] and whing[ing]” before telling the pair to “f*** off”.

  • Williams and Pearce also accused Lockwood of calling them “f***wits” and “idiots”.

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🙂‍↔️ Accusations denied: During an April 15 directions hearing, Lockwood denied the allegations, later telling arbitrators he did not use obscene or threatening language.

💬 Texts and emails: Williams provided a screenshot of a text message sent later that evening saying "Sorry I swore at you", as well as an email from Lockwood expressing regret and asking the pair to reconsider their complaint.

  • Lockwood later claimed the apology referred to him saying “Jesus Christ”.

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🧑‍⚖️ Official findings: On June 1, independent arbiter Louise Hill found Lockwood had engaged in misconduct and suspended him for one month from June 10.

  • Hill said Cr Lockwood’s denial of responsibility for his behaviour was “concerning”.

  • Hill also ordered him to apologise in writing and verbally. During Tuesday night's council meeting, Lockwood acknowledged his conduct was “disrespectful and demeaning”.

  • 🗣️ “I commit to not repeating this behaviour or to minimising it,” said Lockwood.

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