08.09.17
Cheshire East officials remain suspended over ‘officer conduct’
Two top officials at Cheshire East Council (CEC) will remain suspended from their duties following allegations of misconduct.
Mike Suarez, CEO of the local authority, was suspended in April, while Bill Norman, the council’s director of legal services and monitoring officer, was relieved of his duties in July.
During that time, the Conservative-run authority’s investigation and disciplinary committee has been running an investigation over ‘officer conduct’. However, CEC has not revealed details of the allegations.
Following a reconvened meeting of the council’s investigation and disciplinary committee this week, CEC confirmed that the committee has reviewed the suspensions of Suarez and Norman “and the situation remains unchanged”.
“It is important that the investigation into allegations of misconduct is undertaken objectively and there will be no further comment at this stage,” a spokesman for the local authority said.
“As previously announced, interim arrangements to cover the responsibilities of the two roles, are in place.”
Following the suspension of Suarez, who has held senior positions at local authorities in Southwark, Slough and Lambeth, his deputy, Kath O’Dwyer, was made acting CEO.
(Image: c. Cheshire East Council)
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