Police have launched a criminal investigation into Cheshire East Council's awarding of contracts to a company which is run by the council leader's physiotherapist, to determine whether there has been any "misconduct in a public office".
Core Fit, which is run by Amanda Morris, were awarded three contracts with a total value of £156,000 to deliver fitness classes in schools. The contracts were awarded outside of normal contract procedure rules using a waiver notice which was signed by senior officers.
The Leader of Cheshire East Council Michael Jones announced his resignation at a meeting of the Cheshire East Conservative Group on Tuesday 8th December, as a result of the controversy caused by the awarding of the contracts to Core Fit but has maintained that he has done nothing wrong, saying "I am clear that I have not misled the Council". He said he was resigning as a result of infighting within the Conservative Party.
Last month Cheshire Police appointed the Head of the Economic Crime Unit to review the available material to establish if there are any matters that may require investigation. As a result they have commenced a criminal investigation.
A police spokesperson said "On 23 December, Cheshire Constabulary commenced a criminal investigation into misconduct in a public office as a result of information received about Cheshire East Council and the award of contracts.
"The investigation relates to the award of contracts and the involvement of all relevant individuals in that process. The purpose of the investigation is to establish what happened and who was involved."
