Disgraced fire chief quit over his £500 purchase of £8k 4x4

INVESTIGATION: Angus-born OBE recipient was head of service vehicle sales Mullan hits right note with students

He now has to return the 4x4 to the council so the authority does not lose taxpayers’ money on t he deal.

The council confirmed the news yesterday after an email to staff from chief executive Peter Bungard outlining what had happened was leaked.

Mr Bungard said Mr Edgar’s actions resulted in a “loss of trust”.

An investigation triggered by a whistleblower forced Mr Edgar to step down earlier this week. The internal review showed Mr Edgar, who was awarded an OBE last month for 27 years of service, demonstrated “poor judgment” over the sale.

The county council said: “The vehicle was put up for disposal via a formal tender process to an approved list of companies. A bid of £500 was accepted by the chief fire officer for the Land Rover. There was a second, higher bid which missed the tender deadline and was not considered.

“It is not possible to put a specific value on the Land Rover Discovery due to the level of use and internal adaptations. However, it is estimated as being between £5,000 and £8,000.

“In relation to two other vehicles being disposed off, no bids were received before the deadline but late bids were received and accepted for these vehicles

“Having accepted the £500 bid, Stewart Edgar went on to purchase the vehicle from the successful bidder. Stewart Edgar has now offered to return the vehicle to ensure the council doesn’t suffer a financial loss.”