THE compulsory code of conduct for parish councillors is ?draconian? and ?heavy-handed?, according to West Devon and Torridge Tory spokesman Geoffrey Cox.
The code requires parish councillors to register interests including their employment, business, any property they own and to disclose interests of their spouse or relatives.
Mr Cox said he had discussed the issue with parish members in West Devon who were concerned that what he called ?Labour?s draconian code of conduct? was deterring people from becoming involved in their parish council.
He said: ?The code fails to distinguish between major and minor breaches. It is ridiculous to require registration of interests by parish councillors? nephews, grandchildren and even partners of such people for small sums.
?This heavy-handed intervention fails to take account of the fact that parish councillors are unpaid volunteers who want to support the local community and are overwhelmingly honest and well intentioned.?
Mr Cox said he welcomed Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith?s announcement that a future Tory government would abolish the code of conduct.