MP concerned over council arrests

An MP says the arrests of Stoke-on-Trent's elected mayor and a senior councillor have left people confused about city council services.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley spoke after elected mayor Mark Meredith and Roger Ibbs were arrested by police investigating corruption allegations.

She said people had been asking her who is in charge of the city.

The council said it had dedicated staff working under strong leadership to deliver the best possible services.

'Very concerned'

The Labour MP said: "I think that the city council's really got to concentrate and make sure that people know exactly what policies they're progressing and who's responsible for them.

"I'm very concerned indeed that the policies that the city council is there to deliver should be delivered."

The city's Labour mayor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office. He denies the claims.

Mr Ibbs, leader of the Conservative and Independent Alliance and the portfolio holder for education, was arrested last month.

He said he was arrested following a complaint he made to the council.