The head of the Labour opposition at Tory-run Telford & Wrekin is calling for council leader Andrew Eade to “come clean” over the “real reasons” behind the sacking of a prominent member of the authority’s ruling cabinet.
Conservative Councillor Denis Allen was suddenly axed from his cabinet position this week as member for community services.
Last week it was revealed Councillor Allen was taking a month-long break from his role, prompting rumours that he had been suspended.
Telford & Wrekin, however, put out a statement saying Councillor Allen had been advised to take a “well deserved rest.”
The news then broke on Tuesday that he had been relieved of his post.
According to Councillor Allen himself, the reasons for his dismissal involved emails sent to council officers and allegations of leaked information - although the council has put the move down to a simple cabinet reshuffle.
But now the leader of the Labour group, Keith Austin, says Councillor Allen had come under fire - and was under investigation - over the Telford Town Park paedophile fiasco.
He was the one who authorised routine stop-checks on single people walking in the park’s recreational areas, claimed Councillor Austin.
He also alleged that Councillor Allen pledged £50,000 of council money to South Telford Rights of Way Partnership without first finding out from where the funding was to come.
Cuts to the Leisure Services budget were now being made to make up the shortfall, said Councillor Austin.
Turmoil
“This news raises more questions about the turmoil within the council,” said Councillor Austin. “Did Councillor Eade deliberately mislead everyone to try to throw them off the scent?
“Only last week, we were being told that Councillor Allen was on holiday and next we find out Andrew Eade and Councillor (Steven) Bentley have sacked him. People deserve to know when he was suspended and why he has been sacked.
“Councillor Eade needs to make a comprehensive statement to full council and myself - and my colleagues - will be demanding that.”
A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council denied the allegations. “There is no investigation of any specific individual around the park issue,” said the spokesman.
“There is a general review of policies and procedures around this event which led to all the interest.
“The council has not committed to this £50,000. Therefore money is not being taken from anywhere.
“The issues around cabinet reshuffles is a matter for the leader in his political role. However, until the reshuffle, Councillor Allen was on annual leave from the council.”
The spokesman added that Councillor Allen was not currently under any investigation.
Councillor Eade said: “Any local authority cabinet, or government cabinet for that matter, must meet the ever-changing needs and challenges that they face and as a result cabinet reshuffles are needed from time to time.
” I fully appreciate all the hard work and commitment displayed by all current and former cabinet members.”
