The Standards Board for England has refused to investigate a complaint concerning the alleged conduct of Conservative Councillor David Luther of
Salisbury District Council. The complaint was made by the Leader of the Council, Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Paul Sample.

Cllr Sample had alleged that Councillor Luther used the phrase "nigger in the woodpile" to describe an "anomaly" in a situation facing the Council,
during an informal meeting on 24th July 2007.

Cllr Sample said that he believed that "the language used was racist and deliberately used to shock and offend." He reported that he had asked for an
immediate apology from Councillor Luther, which was given.

Cllr Luther is a Conservative Party District Ward Councillor for the Downton and Redlynch Ward on Salisbury District Council. He lives in Moot Gardens,
Downton.

The Standards Board decision says: "Officers consider that the alleged comment, if it were to have occurred, was perhaps ill-considered and
insensitive. However, it would appear from the information given that the comment was not directed at any specific individual or group of people but
used to describe a situation. It further noted that Councillor Luther has apologised.

"The Standards Board for England has decided that the allegation should not be referred to an ethical standards officer for investigation. Having taken
account of the available information we do not believe the alleged conduct is serious enough to justify an investigation. We have made no finding of
fact at this stage and no judgement is being made about whether the alleged events actually occurred in the way the complainant says in the absence of
any investigation."

Cllr Sample commented: "The decision by The Standards Board not to investigate is sad. I believe the comment undermines our Council's approach
to equal opportunities. As a Council we are committed to fighting discrimination.

"This is not about political correctness. Language like this, whether it is directed at an individual, a group of people, or a situation, is offensive
and out dated. I think the Standard Board has made a mistake by not investigating it."