Cheshire East legal head resigns

Cheshire East’s head of legal services, Bill Norman, has resigned from his post with immediate effect.

Bill Norman is one of three senior officers being investigated by the council’s investigation and disciplinary committee.

Cheshire East issued a statement saying: “The council’s director of legal services and monitoring officer, Bill Norman, has today tendered his resignation with immediate effect.”

“Mr Norman’s resignation has been accepted. Recruitment to the permanent position of director of legal services and monitoring officer will be progressed as soon as is practicable.”

Cllr Howard Murray (Con) chairman of the Investigation and Disciplinary Panel said: “The IDC met today and, as a result of this resignation, has concluded its business with regard to Mr Norman.”

The council’s chief executive, Mike Suarez, was suspended in April and its chief operating officer, Peter Bates, was suspended last week.

Both remain suspended.

The council has stressed the suspensions are a neutral act taken in the interests of the council and the individuals.