Questions over resignation of West Lindsey District Council leader

The comments come after Coun McNeill, who represents the Nettleham ward, took a step back from his role last month.

Last week, the news came he had now resigned his position as leader.

The authority’s chief executive Ian Knowles said: “Following a period of stepping back to deal with some personal challenges, Coun Giles McNeill has decided to resign from his position as the Leader of the Council, which will take effect from Monday, November 2.

“Coun McNeill will still remain a district councillor for the Nettleham Ward.

“It is expected that a new leader of the Council will be appointed at the full council meeting on Monday, November 2.”

Coun McNeill was also suspended by the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association last month, in what deputy chairman Sheila Bibb described as ‘a neutral act taken to protect the 
interests of both parties’.

Now, the leader of the Lib Dem opposition group on the council, Trevor Young, is demanding to know more.

He said: “The current secrecy around Coun 
McNeill’s situation is damaging the reputation of the council and leading to a lack of trust in politicians 
and that is good for no one!

“Despite stepping down as Leader, the Conservative group are still shielding him and he remains part of the administration group on the council. The public are entitled to know what is going on!

“The residents of Nettleham, who McNeill represents, are entitled to some honesty!”

Coun Young continued: “We believe that there is now a large question mark.

“This has implications for public concern over his decision making, including the security of the commercial investments that he has led.

“Time will tell, whether these investments turn out to be risky gambles with council tax payers’ money or sound investments for the future.”

A spokesman for West Lindsey District Council said they were unable to comment on the statement given by the Lib Dems, but could make a statement regarding commercial investments.

Chief Executive Ian Knowles said: “The commercial investment portfolio was implemented by the council in 2015.

“As previously reported, we set aside £30 million to build the portfolio as part of a 
plan to combat the loss of government funding.

“All our commercial acquisitions follow a stringent set of guidelines, including a 14-point scoring criteria before any purchases are completed.

“Currently we have invested £22 million on six properties which has contributed to a net benefit to the council tax payer in excess of £700,000.

“Five properties were acquired prior to March 2019 and one after Coun McNeill became Leader of 
the Council in May 2019.

“The decision-making at West Lindsey follows a robust process, and does not allow for one person to make such significant decisions.

“All the decisions on the investment portfolio were taken under delegation at the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, 
where they were scrutinised by all its members. (see website for full list of 
members of the Committee).

“Throughout our commercial investment period our external auditors have given us a clean audit and an unqualified value for money assessment.”