The leader of West Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Jonathan Nunn, has stood down amid allegations of abuse.
Five women have accused Cllr Nunn of physical abuse and threatening or controlling behaviour, according to a BBC investigation.
The Tory councillor said he ‘strenuously denies’ the allegations and said ‘domestic abuse is never acceptable’.
Cllr Nunn, who has been leader of the council since May 2021, was convicted in 2004 for assaulting his then wife, Janice Nunn. He received a community order.
Deputy leader, Cllr Adam Brown, will take over until a new leader is elected at the West Northamptonshire Council’s Annual Council meeting on 16 May.
Cllr Brown said: ‘I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Jonathan for all his hard work and commitment as Leader during the crucial, formative years of our Council and the important role he has played in shaping the strong and effective organisation it is today.
‘We now look ahead to continue to build upon all the good work we are doing as a council to deliver services to residents across West Northamptonshire.’
