Stoke on Trent Councillor (Con) in corruption probe
Monday, March 02, 2009, 13:48
CITY councillor Roger Ibbs has stepped down from his cabinet post following his arrest by police investigating allegations of council corruption.
Elected mayor Mark Meredith announced today that he is replacing Mr Ibbs as portfolio holder for children and young people's services with immediate effect.
He said he took the decision to replace Mr Ibbs to prevent the ongoing inquiry interfering with the council's £250 million Building Schools for the Future programme.
Mr Meredith said: "The council cannot afford any distractions. There are important decisions to be made, especially in the field of education.
"This is the right decision for councillor Ibbs and for Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Councillor Ibbs is facing a serious allegation and needs time and space to deal with it.