Leader consults lawyers about tweet from party colleague: report

The leader of beleaguered Northamptonshire County Council has told a local newspaper that she is consulting her lawyers over a tweet issued by one of her own Conservative colleagues.

Heather Smith objected to a comment made by backbencher Jason Smithers.

The council last month became the first in 20 years to issue a section 114 notice restricting spending to statutory duties and is under investigation by government-appointed inspector Max Caller.

Cllr Smith remains leader but was ousted from the leadership of the Conservative group after a no-confidence vote over the council’s finances.

She said in the Northampton Chronicle: “I'm not putting up with all this outrageous stuff he's doing. I'm taking legal advice. “

Cllr Smithers told Local Government Lawyer: “I have had no legal letter from her yet and if I do I will send it to my solicitors to defend. I think she is just hoping to silence me.

“My concerns were about the financial situation of the council and the leadership of the cabinet.”

Mark Smulian