Council to sack chief executive

The chief executive of a Kent council is facing dismissal following a disciplinary hearing.

Mark Bilsborough has been on leave from Swale Borough Council since 22 December 2006, after misconduct allegations made by a whistleblower.

An extraordinary meeting of the council on Tuesday decided to dismiss Mr Bilsborough with a period of notice.

A statement from the council said the dismissal was subject to verification from an independent employment lawyer.

'Action vindicated'

Mr Bilsborough became chief executive of the council on 1 January 2006.

Allegations were made in a public disclosure document, referred to by the council as a "whistle-blowing document".

The council did not reveal the nature of the allegations.

But it said a disciplinary hearing was conducted by John Bowers QC and reported to council members on 9 April, recommending that Mr Bilsborough should be dismissed.

Tuesday's extraordinary meeting was held on the first available opportunity.

"I am pleased that the report and recommendation has vindicated the action taken by the council to follow up the serious concerns expressed in the protected disclosure document," said Councillor Andrew Bowles.

The council said the hearing and other formal procedures were conducted in accordance with Mr Bilsborough's contract and terms and conditions of employment.