Northumberland County Council’s Labour Group says questions need to be asked about the so-called independent investigation surrounding the suspension of chief executive Daljit Lally.

Labour Group leader Susan Dungworth said: “We have asked how this independent investigation is being carried out and we’ve been told this is being done ‘at officer level’ in the council.

“In our view this is simply not acceptable. For one thing it puts unreasonable pressure on those officers because the person they are investigation is senior to them. One another, we believe this is far from independent.

“Surely an external view is needed from at least one or more local authorities or external organisations.

“This situation is a serious as it gets; a widely and well respected chief executive being suspended for allegations of whistle-blowing.

“The investigation needs to be treated at the level and with the seriousness it deserves.”