Councillors will be asked to adopt guidance for using social media like Twitter with the advice that members shouldn’t tweet or post when ‘tired or your judgment is impaired’.

Members of Cheshire West and Chester Council have got into cyber trouble in the past.

Back in 2013 council leader Cllr Mike Jones (Con, Tattenhall) became embroiled in a Twitter spat with one of Chester’s most popular tweeters (@sh*tchester) after objecting to his eye-catching user name which incorporates a four-letter expletive. However, the pair are now on good terms.

When Labour MP Glenda Jackson challenged Margaret Thatcher’s contribution to womankind in the wake of her death, Cllr Gareth Anderson (Con, Ledsham and Manor) called the actress-turned politician a ‘rotting pork chop on a stick’ on Twitter.

He later explained: “My intemperance was an insult, it was personal, and I should have thought before sending, but neither sexist or ageist.”

Among the suggested guidelines which were due to have been discussed by Thursday’s full council meeting were:

  • Think before you tweet or post on Facebook – it may be round the world in minutes
  • Don’t say anything, post views or opinions that you would not be prepared to discuss face-to-face with the person you are speaking about write in a letter to the press or read in a news report or be prepared to have minuted in a public meeting
  • Don’t enter into unhelpful online arguments – all of your followers or friends will see
  • Don’t tweet or post when you are tired or your judgment is impaired
  • If you make a mistake be prepared to admit it and apologise.

However, in the end, the matter was taken off the agenda because there were too many other items of business to discuss on the night but it is expected to resurface at a later date.

An introduction to the proposed protocol states: “Social media is the term applied to a range of online tools and websites which allow users to interact with each other by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interests. Although the focus is on Facebook and Twitter, similar principles will also apply to sites such as LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube and Instagram, to blogging and as new means of e-communication emerge in this rapidly developing area.”

The author pointed out that while everyone had the right to freedom of expression, this had to be balanced against the duties and responsibilities it carries with it.

“Using social media is an excellent way to engage a wider audience and a good tool to get useful feedback. You should expect to be challenged as issues and ideas are debated online. However, social networking by members can attract adverse publicity for both those involved and for the council. You should be aware of the possible pitfalls and ensure you comply with your obligations under the Members’ Code of Conduct and the law.”