The former leader of Cheshire East Council has resigned from the local Conservative group with immediate effect.
Earlier today, (Monday, 25th September) Councillor Michael Jones emailed Rhoda Bailey, Conservative Group Secretary, to inform her of his resignation.
Michael Jones wrote "As I always said I do not support blue on blue attacks and therefore I tender my resignation from the group.
"It has become clear that elements within the group are personalising attacks on me and I am disappointed to read of Rachel's attack on me in the media and of her leaking and briefing against me and so felt obliged to "put the record straight."
"These attacks are now very personal and as such disappointing. The false allegations and personal attacks do a disservice to the party and to public life in general. Those making such wildly inaccurate comments need to stop as they are damaging the party and their constituents."
For the meantime Michael Jones intends to continue as ward councillor for Bunbury and will make make further announcements after he has taken advice from his electors and parish council.
He added "I will make further announcements shortly but in the meantime I will try and complete my deals for the good of the area and concentrate on my ward and to try and create positive actions, whilst remaining a member of the Conservative party."
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Or are you able to put the record straight, Mr Jones ?
As far as I am aware, Councillor Michael Jones was never suspended from CEC.
It is reported that he chose to resign his leadership of the Conservative Group and hence Leadership of the Council due to "infighting" within the Conservative Group of CEC Councillors
He has now decided to resign from the Conservative Group of CEC Councillorsl. It is reported that he is still a member of the national Conservative Party.
In January 2016 Cheshire police commenced a criminal investigation into potential Misconduct in a Public Office at CEC. In May 2016 Cheshire Police confirmed that this investigation had been passed to the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
It is reported that the police investigation centres around the awarding of council contracts worth more than £150,000 to Nantwich-based Core Fit, which is run by Cllr Jones’ physio, Amanda Morris.
Councillor Jones strenuously denies any wrongdoing.
It is reported that the police investigation is still ongoing.
It is reported that the people who are currently suspended from CEC are two of the most Senior Council Officers (Who are not Elected Councillors). There sames are Mike Suarez who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Bill Norman (Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer).
Hope this all makes sense.