A SENIOR Bournemouth council officer was suspended and allegedly escorted from the town hall after speaking out against the council’s controversial outsourcing deal with Mouchel.

Chief accountant Stephen Parker emailed all councillors before a crucial meeting on Wednesday to warn them of his concerns about the risks of expanding its links with the company.

He told members he had been unable to communicate his concerns as part of the report and accompanying papers going before cabinet.

And added: “I have been placed in a very difficult position – I have a professional duty to ensure my concerns are considered prior to a formal council decision.”

But his actions were frowned upon by council chiefs who immediately suspended him on full pay and were said to have escorted him from the building.

Many of his colleagues were so outraged by the move that they followed him out of the building, giving him a round of applause as he left.

In his email, which has been seen by the Daily Echo, Mr Parker told councillors: “The cabinet report does not provide an adequate assessment of risks or deliver an independent and robust evaluation of the two options considered.”

He said the council had failed to consider options that would have provided “a more balanced financial and risk-assessed contract” and said he was writing to councillors “with a degree of disappointment”.

Despite his concerns, cabinet gave the green light to transferring human resources and finance to Mouchel – meaning the company will run six council departments.

Mouchel has been embroiled in more controversy this week with the resignation of its chief executive after a £4 million accounting error, which sent its share price tumbling.

Yesterday it announced the appointment of a new boss, Grant Rumbles.

A spokesman for Bournemouth council said: “The council’s chief accountant has been suspended on full pay while the council undertakes an investigation.”

And Richard Saunders, Service Director for HR and Organisational Development, said: “We will not comment on any ongoing investigation.

“It would be inappropriate to do so.”

The suspension has been criticised by independent councillor Anne Rey who said: “What has happened to free speech? This course of action is a total disgrace.

“He was doing his job and this is what he gets.

“I am ashamed to be part of Bournemouth council.”

Lib Dem councillor Roger West said: “This follows a pattern of trying to stifle debate if anyone attempts to challenge either our leader or deputy leader.”

He added: “Obviously the sensible thing to do would be to scrutinise fully both the proposal and whether it is prudent.”

‘Financial prudence’ role

AS WELL as his role as the organisation’s chief accountant, Stephen Parker is also Bournemouth council’s deputy Section 151 officer, under Mike Forrester.

The roles of a 151 officer include “ensuring lawfulness and financial prudence of decision making” and “to give financial information”.

Mr Forrester is overseeing a transformation programme at the council and is employed on a contracted basis, with his company Valfor being paid around £100,000 a year for the work he carries out.

He was named as corporate lead on the report considered by cabinet members on Wednesday before they approved the transfer of more business to Mouchel.

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