A leading member of Telford & Wrekin Council today said he had been sacked from the authority’s powerful cabinet committee.

Tory councillor Denis Allen said he was told he would no longer be on the cabinet during a visit to his home by council leader Andrew Eade and councillors Steve Bentley and Adrian Lawrence last night.

Today Councillor Allen, who has taken a month off from his post on the advice of council bosses, said he was “shocked” and “disappointed” at the move.

“They told me I was sacked. They gave me two reasons. One was the e-mails I send to people on the council, and they upset people apparently,” he said. 

“I have had warnings about it to be fair. We are not allowed to discipline officers. Councillors have no powers over officers. The only way I can do anything when somebody doesn’t do their job or doesn’t turn up to meetings is to send e-mails.”

Councillor Allen also said that it had been claimed he had leaked some information to outsiders, a claim which he denies.

He added he had been accused of giving information to Hadley councillors Pat and John Smart over an issue involving Telford Town Park and protesters dressed as penguins. Councillor Allen, who was cabinet for community services, said he would continue on the council to represent the Park Ward.

Councillor Eade said: “We are reshuffling the cabinet to reflect the changes we want to make in the administration.”