Assurance on corruption probe report

Council leader Jim Logue insists that details of an investigation into allegations of corruption will be made available to all councillors at the earliest opportunity – but that an ongoing disciplinary process must be allowed to conclude beforehand.

SNP members on North Lanarkshire Council want immediate access to the document following a newspaper report alleging millions of pounds of overspending on contracts.

Councillor Logue said:“The advice from the chief legal officer is that, if it was given to members just now and became public, it could compromise the integrity of the disciplinary process – I think this is far too important for that to happen. In the interests of natural justice, it shouldn’t be released until that process is completed. The intention is that once it’s complete, all members of the council will receive a copy and I’ve already given that assurance.”

The report has been produced after Councillor Logue ordered an investigation following the receipt of an anonymous letter containing “serious allegations of corruption”.

He added:“During the past nine months, all members of both parties and independents have acquitted themselves in a very respectful way, recognising that a throrough audit was being undertaken.

“All members should stand back and allow this process to highlight any issues and appropriate action to be taken.”

Depute SNP leaderTom Johnston submitted a motion for the full council meeting later this month demanding access to the report; but it was rejected as“not competent”by meeting chair Provost Jim Robertson.

Councillor Johnston said:“It is totally unacceptable that elected councillors should read about alleged corruption in the national press before finding out first-hand from the council. We have been elected by the people and we have the right to be informed. The SNP group want the secret dossier sent to all 70 elected councillors as quickly as possible. It is clear that the Labour administration is in a total mess regarding this investigation.”

Council chief executive Paul Jukes said:“No-one other than those who need to know about the details of the report will receive a copy until the disciplinary process has been exhausted. It is regrettable that a copy appears to have been leaked.

“However, it would be wholly wrong – and a serious breach of employees’rights – to share it more widely until those subject to proceedings have had the opportunity to respond formally to allegations made against them.

“I have already made it quite clear that the report will be shared with members of the council’s audit and governance panel when it is appropriate to do so, and not before.”