SECRET negotiations are under way between the local authority in East London where its beleaguered chief executive’s future is in doubt at Tower Hamlets and the trade union backing him

By Else Kvist

SECRET negotiations are under way between the local authority in East London where its beleaguered chief executive’s future is in doubt and the trade union backing him.

Tower Hamlets still refuses to give details about Marin Smith five days after the dispute erupted with council leader Lutfur Rahman, despite seven attempts today (Monday) by the East London Advertiser for information.

All a council spokesman would say today was that Martin Smith is “now on annual leave” after carrying out his duties as returning officer at last night’s Euro-election count.

Mr Smith’s union, the Association of Local Authority Chief Executives, has taken up his case.

SPECULATION

But their negotiating consultant, Richard Penn, wouldn’t say if he will be continuing in his role as chief executive when he returns from leave.

The Labour authority also refused to dispel speculation that a deal is being thrashed out with the union over his future.

Opposition Respect councillor Abjol Miah commented: “It really is quite extraordinary that five days after the rumours began and four days after a report went up on the Advertiser’s website, there is still no official public statement from the Town Hall about what has happened to Martin Smith.”

Deputy Tory group leader Tim Archer, has called on the ruling Labour group to hold an extraordinary council meeting to explain the situation and has written to all 51 councillors calling on them for support.