Mystery claim over chief leaving

Ian Miller left the chief executive role after seven years in the post

Seven Denbighshire Labour councillors have asked whether the county's former chief executive Ian Miller received a pay-off before resigning.

They said his departure was "shrouded in mystery" and asked for details of any "backroom deals" be made public.

Mr Miller stepped down after seven years to "pursue new challenges".

But the independent-led council would not comment on "personnel matters" and criticised the group for raising questions publicly.

Mr Miller's announcement last week came after a difficult period for the council, which was strongly criticised in a report by schools inspector Estyn in September 2007.

It highlighted poor communication and "ineffective" political leadership at the council and the criticisms led to the ousting of then leader Rhiannon Hughes.

This secrecy epitomises everything that is wrong with Denbighshire Labour group leader Jeanette Chamberlain Jones

In September 2008, the council was criticised for the way it handled the opening and closure of Hyfrydle, a residential centre for autistic children which opened in 2007.

However, Jeanette Chamberlain Jones, who leads the Labour group, said it was still not clear why Mr Miller had gone.

She said: "He left very quickly and we were not told anything. It beggars belief that we didn't have a full council meeting to discuss it."

In a statement, she and deputy Labour leader Joan Butterfield said: "If there have been any backroom deals, then as councillors we, on behalf of the public, demand to know the details.

"We are totally opposed to any such deals. This secrecy epitomises everything that is wrong with Denbighshire."

'Openness and clarity'

Ms Butterfield said it was imperative in the current financial climate that council tax payers knew whether Mr Miller received a pay-off.

She added: "It's all shrouded in mystery. We don't seem to have a lot of clarity with things that happen in Denbighshire council. Openness and clarity are really what the public expects of the council."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "It is the council's policy not to comment on personnel matters relating to staff, past or present.

"However we are concerned that some councillors have raised these questions publicly without first approaching the council with their requests for information.

"There are plenty of opportunities available for all councillors to raise any issues of interest to them directly with the leader of the council or senior managers on a regular basis."