Thomas Bridge 02 December 2014

Dorset County Council leader to face trial

Dorset County Council’s leader is to stand trial after pleading not guilty to three charges of failing to declare interests in two housing companies.

Conservative councillor Spencer Flower stepped aside as leader in November after being accused of failing to comply with the Localism Act 2011.

Cllr Flower did not attend the hearing at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court but not guilty pleas were submitted on his behalf.

He is accused of failing to declare to East Dorset District Council and Devon that he was a non-executive director for Zebra Property Solutions and had an interest in Synergy Housing.

The county council will today hold a meeting to discuss longer-term leadership arrangements at the local authority. While deputy council leader Cllr Robert Gould has taken over leadership responsibilities on a temporary basis, Cllr Flowers formally remains the town hall’s leader.

Council members will decide whether to remove Cllr Gould from office or appoint a county councillor to act as a temporary leader until Cllr Flowers can resume office.

On taking temporary control of Dorset last month, Cllr Gould said: ‘The county council requires the highest standards of probity and compliance from its members, and takes such matters extremely seriously. We hope this will be resolved as quickly as possible.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner