Laura Sharman 26 November 2021

Former council leader jailed for fraud

The former leader of West Lindsey District Council has been jailed for 14 months for fraud and theft offences.

Giles McNeill, who was council leader from May 2019 to September 2020, plead guilty to theft, fraud and forgery offences totalling more than £30,000.

He admitted stealing £10,948 from the Conservative Party and fraudulently cashing cheques totalling £20,252.54 between 2014 and 2020.

He also pleaded guilty to forging signatures on 93 cheques and six charges of fraud by abuse of power as treasurer of West Lindsey District Council Conservatives, Gainsborough Conservative Club and Lincolnshire Area Conservative Party.

Detective sergeant Mike Head said: ‘This was a complex investigation due to how McNeill handled the associations’ finances which allowed his offending to go on for so long before it was identified by those working alongside McNeill.’

Photo: Lincoln Magistrates Courts / Rept0n1x

#Fraud #Crime

Analysis

Staying Safe in Local Elections: Challenges and support for candidates

With local elections nearing, rising abuse fears are deterring candidates - this analysis explores risks, definitions, and new guidance to support safer campaigning.

Opinion

Why devolution is the solution to stronger public services

Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer at Roc Technologies, argues that devolution can help the UK local government sector pool talent, cut costs and improve digital public services.

Most Popular News

Post-war housing estates blocking city growth, think tank warns

English council data breaches up 53%

London faces loss of 42,000 homes from development pipeline

Shropshire in food waste warning

Public toilet numbers reach crisis point

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Company Anouncements

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Service Director - Finance

£95,212 to £102,389

We need a talented and experienced Service Director of Finance to join us and play a pivotal role Isle of Wight

Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151)

£120,536 to £129,500

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151) Isle of Wight

Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Service Director - Education

£95,212 to £102,389

This is a great time to join our Children’s Services senior leadership team as a Service Director for Education where you’ll provide system leadership Isle of Wight

Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Class Teacher (Primary)

£32,916- £51,048

Primary School Class Teacher M1-UPS3 (£32,916 - £52,149) Permanent, Full-time Contract to begin in September 2026. The Governors of this happy and Durham

Recuriter: Durham County Council