Council ‘culture’ probe to start

MAJOR inquiry into the politleadership at the top of controversy-laden Newcastle City Council is finally set to get under way. Members agreed to launch an inquiry last December after concerns around the behind-the-scenes culture at the council in recent years.

- JAMES ROBINSON

‘The Labour administration backed a Liberal Democrat motion last year to instigate the inquiry. It followed the resignation of former council leader Nick Kemp the previous September when it was revealed he was the subject of a bullying complaint from a senior council director.

Coun Kemp has since been cleared of any breach of the council's code of conduct after an investigation. However, the start of the inquiry was delayed while the lengthy - and costly - investigation was carried out.