Reform leader's former businesses owe thousands

REFORM'S council leader in County Durham has defended his position after businesses he formerly owned owe thousands of pounds in unpaid tax and wages.

- BILL EDGAR Local democracy reporter

Andrew Husband maintained "there is no suggestion I have done anything wrong" and blamed the Government's economic management during the Covid pandemic.

Several liquidated companies currently and formerly owned by the council leader racked up huge debts.

Two existing companies owned by Cllr Husband owe more than £500,000 in unpaid tax, government-backed Covid loans and staff wages.

Responding to criticism of his financial record, Mr Husband said: "During Covid, bad government shut down the economy and of course that caused huge problems for all sorts of businesses, especially in hospitality.

"There is no suggestion I have done anything wrong. What is clear, I decided to quite rightly exit from hospitality and all associated businesses. I am not responsible for subsequent failures years and years after."