Toxic atmosphere at council is 'now very professional'

A COUNCIL boss has claimed there is now a "healthy" culture at an authority that has faced allegations of bullying and toxicity.

- By DANIEL HOLLAND

Newcastle City Council chief executive Pam Smith told a watchdog committee this week that the Civic Centre has a "very professional" environment.

Two years ago, Ms Smith refused to deny the presence of a "toxic" atmosphere and bullying within the council when questioned in front of its audit and standards committee.

Since then, the authority has been embroiled in major controversy around a bullying complaint made against ex-leader, Nick Kemp, by a senior director.

Coun Kemp was later cleared of a breach of the council's code of conduct following an investigation into the accusations made by Michelle Percy, who left her post as director of investment and growth this summer.