LAWYERS are now finalising a six-figure settlement between beleaguered Town Hall chief executive Martin Smith and Tower Hamlets council. Negotiations have come to an end after a settlement was agreed in principle’

By Else Kvist

LAWYERS are now finalising a six-figure settlement between beleaguered Town Hall chief executive Martin Smith and Tower Hamlets council, the East London Advertiser has learned tonight.

Negotiations have come to an end after a settlement was agreed in principle,’ according to Martin’s union, the Association of Local Authority Chief Executives.

He was put on annual leave during the past fortnight’s negotiations, but has now gone away on holiday, according to his negotiator Richard Penn.

ON LEAVE’

Mr Smith is on leave until his Town Hall employment officially finishes at the beginning of July, the association adds.

But one councillor requesting a meeting with Martin Smith this week was told by a Town Hall official that he was due back at work on July 1.

The controversy erupted three weeks ago when, according to the union and some Opposition councillors, he was told in a meeting with council leader Rahman to “go home and consider his future.” Cllr Rahman has declined to comment on the issue.