Councillor Kamala Kugan has been reprimanded for breaching the Members Code of Conduct, following a determination by the Standards Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council.
The sub-committee found that Councillor Kugan had failed to comply with Paragraph 7 (Respect) and Paragraph 10 (Confidentiality) of the Code of Conduct. The investigation stemmed from a complaint made by the Executive Director of Children's Services and the Chief Executive, alleging that Councillor Kugan's conduct in a series of emails was inappropriate and that she had shared confidential information with unauthorized parties.
The Standards Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 12 November 2025, with Councillor Roger Hayes (Vice Chair) presiding. Other attendees included Councillor Mark Beynon (Chair of Planning Committee), Councillor Jamal Chohan (Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Opposition Spokesperson for Leisure and Economic Development), Councillor Liz Green (Chair of the Health Overview Panel), Councillor Helen Grocott, and Councillor Lynn Henderson (Chair - Audit, Governance & Standards Committee).
The sub-committee reviewed the complaint against Councillor Kugan, detailed in the Public Reports Pack. The findings of fact included that Councillor Kugan was acting in her capacity as an elected Member during the incidents, and that she did send the emails in question. It was also found that Councillor Kugan shared confidential officer briefing information with third parties, including a family's lawyer. The sub-committee concluded that this information, provided in a briefing about children in care, was not hers to share and that members are obliged by the Code to check prior to disclosure anything they ought reasonably to be aware is of a confidential nature.
The Investigating Officer concluded that Councillor Kugan's language and approach in her emails breached paragraph 7.1 ii of the code, as the communication was rude and offensive, moving beyond criticism of services to personal attack.
Councillor Kugan defended her actions, stating that her conduct was justified as she was trying to help a family. However, the sub-committee determined that her actions violated the Code of Conduct.
As a result of the findings, the sub-committee resolved that:
- Councillor Kugan should write a letter of apology to the Executive Director for Children's Services and his colleagues, apologising for her insulting tone and unwarranted criticism. This apology must be sent one month from the date of the Chair's report to Council (14 November 2025) and copied to the Chief Executive. It is not yet confirmed whether she has completed this action.
- Councillor Kugan must attend mandatory Code of Conduct training, specifically covering member conduct and communication with officers. This training is to be arranged by the Monitoring Officer and completed before the end of the calendar year. It is not yet confirmed whether she has completed this action.
- The Chair of the Sub-committee will write to Councillor Kugan's Group Leader to convey the hearing's outcome and request their support in ensuring Councillor Kamala Kugan's adherence to the Code of Conduct in the future.
- Councillor Kugan's access to the all-member email distribution list will be reinstated, provided the behaviour which led to the Standards hearing will not be repeated. Should this behaviour repeat, her access may be revoked.
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 September 2025, were confirmed as a correct record. During that meeting, the sub-committee agreed to remain in public session where possible, in the interest of openness and transparency.