A draft report has been produced by Standards for England which clears Councillor Frank Keegan of the allegations made against him by the Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council.
Erika Wenzel's complaint alleged that the Alderley Edge Councillor, and former Resources Portfolio Holder, may have breached several paragraphs of the Code of Conduct.
The complaint was referred to Standards for England, which has now completed its investigation and issued a draft report, to those concerned. The report, which was issued on Wednesday, 2nd March, is confidential.
Councillor Keegan said "I am very pleased with the draft report obviously.
"I am looking forward to the final summary report when all of this will be able to be discussed in the public arena with the benefit of a clear report from the Standards of England."
A spokesman from Cheshire East Council said "Before the draft report is finalised and published those concerned can make comments on the report. Again at this time it remains a private matter and the public have no right of access to the papers etc.
"However when the investigation is complete I understand that Standards for England will make some information publically available on 16th March in respect of their investigation and findings.
"A further Sub-Committee will then formally consider the Standards for England investigation report. At this time a public interest test will be carried out to decide if the matter should now be discussed in public.
"The reason for the privacy around these issues is to protect a member who maybe innocent and to stop people from interfering with any evidence or investigation that takes place."
With local elections just around the corner it will be interesting to see whether the Sub-Committee decide if this matter is in the public interest or not, especially given the rhetoric coming from central Government regarding transparency.
Comments
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(a) meet the whole costs incurred in the investigation personally
(b) Be required to resign without compensation
The government should bring in early legislation to ensure that the full costs of all standards accusations which are not upheld should be borne by the complainant.