Martin Ford 23 August 2022

Police charge trio of former council chiefs

Police charge trio of former council chiefs image
Image: Brian A Jackson/Shutterstock.com.

Three former council chief executives have been charged as part of an investigation into financial irregularities.

Former Liverpool chief executive Ged Fitzgerald, ex-interim chief executive officer David McElhinney and former Lancashire CC chief executive Phil Halsall are to appear before magistrates in October.

They have been charged as part of Operation Sheridan, an investigation into financial irregularities at Lancashire CC that began in 2013 involving police in Lancashire and Merseyside Police, the county council and Liverpool City Council.

McElhinney, 62, of Ormskirk Road, Knowsley, and Halsall, 64, of Hesketh Road, Southport, have both been charged with misconduct in a public office and procuring misconduct in a public office.

Fitzgerald, 60, of Dover Road, Birkdale, faces charges of misconduct in a public office, and aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.

Former Lancashire leader Geoff Driver, 77, of Hoylake Close, Preston, has been charged with intimidating or harming witnesses.

A spokesperson for the county council said: 'We have, of course, been cooperating fully with the police throughout the investigation, which relates to allegations from many years ago.

'None of those summonsed still work for Lancashire CC.

'Lancashire CC is focused on our future - not the past - and our priority continues to be providing the vital, everyday services that the people of Lancashire rely on.'

This article originally appeared in The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Register Assessment Officer - EFDC

Essex County Council
Up to £19.0900 per hour
Housing Register Assessment Officer - Epping Forest District Council Epping, EssexFull-Time, Temporary - 37 Hours per Week£19.09 PAYE / £24.44Closing England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,036 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full-time Administration Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team who support o Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,701 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,615 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner