Ian Jelf wrote

But they are not "public servants" (that term applies to employed
council officers). They are elected officials which I consider to
be
an important distinction.

But they are "Public Officers" (Holders of a public office) so, eg,
liable for "Misconduct in Public Office" and can reasonable be held to
higher standards than private persons.

The recent House of Lords kerfuffle has drawn attention to the fact
that
MPs and peers are probably not liable under the current "Public"
Bribery & Corruption law but nevertheless holding them to such a
standard (as recommended by the Law Commission) is perfectly
reasonable.


--
Mike D