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SOUTHEND Council is investigating allegations of bullying and fraud made by a whistleblower, who claims to have been suspended for raising the issues.
Opposition councillors want Government inspectors to investigate the serious claims.
They are also demanding senior executives who were made aware of the allegations, but it is said failed to act, are suspended.
The whistleblower, a senior executive director, compiled a lengthy dossier of grievances and formally invoked whistleblower status to the director of legal services, Giles Gilbert, in March.
The director has been suspended however, and is now facing an investigation.
It is believed that the whistleblower raised issues over breaches of procurement rules, contract procedure, and fraud within the team.
The allegations were leaked to Private Eye, which named Southend in its recent Rotten Boroughs column.
Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative group, said: “In March last year, I was made aware of serious allegations and a number of alleged wrongdoings within the council via a whistleblower who I will not be naming.
“As per the council’s policy, I referred the allegations to the council’s monitoring officer and head of internal audit.
“The allegations are deeply alarming and incredibly serious and I hope they will be investigated thoroughly.”
Coun Cox added: “I had no intention of making political capital during the election campaign and I’m disappointed that the complainant has been leaked along with discussions I have...
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