Inquiry scrapped after council boss resigns
CHESHIRE East has scrapped the investigation into allegations against former chief executive Mike Suarez following his resignation this week.
The council issued a statement to say the investigation regarding Mr Suarez had ended.
Coun Margaret Simon, acting chair of the IDC confirmed that the twoday disciplinary hearing, which was due to commence on Thursday, was to consider allegations in relation to Mr Suarez.
Coun Simon said: “It is confirmed that Mr Suarez resigned on 9 July 2018 with immediate effect and without notice.
“The resignation was accepted by Kath O’ Dwyer, acting chief executive on 10 July. Mr Suarez will receive his contractual and statutory entitlement to outstanding holiday pay and salary to 9 July 2018.
“The IDC reconvened at Macclesfield Town Hall at 10.30am today.
“However, as the IDC can only deal with matters in relation to existing statutory officers of the council, there is no need to proceed with the disciplinary hearing, due to the resignation of Mr Suarez.”
Three top officers - Mr Suarez, former head of legal services Bill Norman and chief operating officer Peter Bates - were being investigated following allegations of misconduct by the council’s investigation and disciplinary committee (IDC).
All three had been suspended.
The council stressed the suspensions are a neutral act taken in the interests of the council and the individuals.
The investigation is estimated to have cost the council tax payer £1m so far.
Mr Norman and Mr Suarez have both resigned from the council and Mr Bates remains suspended.
Last week we reported how Mr Suarez contacted the Express by letter to confirm he had resigned on last Monday.
The former chief exec did not give his reasons for resigning but thanked staff, residents, town, parish and other councillors for their well wishes.