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Independent Cllr Colin Nineham tendered his resignation at the Lake District council last Wednesday after he was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud at Eden Community Recycling, which has a waste contract with the council.
Cllr Nineham has not been charged and has been bailed until November.
He was elected to the council in 1999 and appointed to lead the controlling executive of the authority in June last year following changes to the political management system.
Deputy council leader Cllr Keith Phillips said: “Councillor Nineham offered his resignation to the Executive as he wishes to concentrate on addressing the allegations against him and clearing his name.
“He did not wish the issues he is facing to reflect on the Council’s reputation and his resignation will now go before a Full Council meeting at the earliest opportunity.”
During the interim period before the election of a new leader, the chief executive will, if necessary, take any urgent decisions required in consultation with political group leaders and senior members.
Eden Community Recycling was initially established as a not-for-profit company in 1981 and its contract with the council has been suspended for the duration of the investigation.
Sam Bond
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