Councils will be able to suspend elected members for serious misconduct for up to six months under government reforms.
The plans, welcomed by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale, include a mandatory code of conduct for all local authorities in England, giving councils consistent rules to manage behaviour and take action when standards are not met.
The government says these steps respond to concerns about limited sanctions and inconsistent approaches across the country.
Recent cases in which two councillors convicted of serious offences remained in post until receiving prison sentences highlighted gaps in current powers. The government intends to introduce legislation in the coming months.
Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the reforms aim to remove those who damage confidence in local politics.
Jessica Toale said the measures will help councils act quickly and fairly where behaviour falls below expectations. She added that residents in Bournemouth West should be able to expect high standards from those who represent them.
The reforms also require principal authorities to set up standards committees, offer clearer support for complainants and create a national appeals process.
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