Earlier this year I was informed from SIPO that a complaint had been made against me. The complaint arose after I defended myself against individuals who have repeatedly targeted and attempted to discredit me over my work as a councillor, spanning almost 7 years now. After considering the complaint and the supporting documentation, SIPO decided to close the matter without investigation. The Commission stated that the complaint was not of sufficient gravity to warrant investigation under its statutory procedures. If SIPO complaints have risen so significantly, how many relate to genuine ethical concerns, and how many are complaints against hardworking elected representatives who are simply standing up for themselves in the face of persistent personal attacks? Robust scrutiny of public representatives is essential. Equally, complaints processes should not become another tool to intimidate, harass or burden people who are trying to serve their communities in good faith.