unsubstantiated allegations against Parish Councillors

[Pinklepurr]

A disgruntled ex-councillor has at our recent annual meeting of the Parish (not Council meeting) accused all the new councillors (9 of 14) of lacking integrity because they all were on a flier giving a photo and brief bio to introduce them as new candidates to the electorate. He thought by being on the same flier we, the new councillors had effectively formed a political party which he said wasn't on. Because 4 of us were from one estate potentially at threat if a relief road is proposed in the Neighbourhood Plan he felt that those 4 were only interested in securing the value of their property and somehow the other 5 were similarly implicated.
While I understand that as Councillors we will be open to false accusations and bad feelings but what bothered me most was that the Chairman did not stop the man from speaking although he was talking about the election when the topic being discussed was the Neighbourhood Plan and he said nothing to defend his team of Councillors and will not consider making any such statement. I am concerned that this could cause a split in our council at this early stage when we are trying to bond as a team. Is there really any reason why the Chairman should not issue a statement of support for the Councillors for the press who will no doubt quote the slanderous accusations?