Leader backed in chief's exit row

摘要

The leader of York City Council has survived a no confidence vote following criticism over the departure of a chief executive. York met to respond to a public interest report by its external auditor that 'arguably unlawful' exit payments were made to former chief executive Mary Weastell to avoid an employment tribunal alleging bullying and victimisation. Mazars said the Lib Dem leader Cllr Keith Aspden should have left a behind-closed-doors meeting to discuss the terms of Ms Weastell's departure due to a personal interest, as he was a subject of the tribunal claim. Cllr Aspden and the council have denied all allegations of bullying. Independent councillor Mark Waiters told the meeting Ms Weastell had had her 'name dragged through the mud' after being 'forced out of York'.