The leader of Telford & Wrekin Council today dismissed calls for an inquiry into why three top officers have left the council in three months as “laughable and a ludicrous waste of time”.

Councillor Andrew Eade spoke out after the authority’s former leader Councillor Keith Austin said that he would be calling an emergency council meeting before the council’s annual meeting on May 21.

He called for an independent internal inquiry after yesterday’s ann- ouncement that Richard Webb, corporate director for adult and consumer care, will leave in the late summer.

Mr Webb’s impending departure comes after corporate director of community services Ron Odunaiya left the council and chief executive Steve Wellings announced he is leaving.

Councillor Eade said: “Councillor Austin seems to have a short memory in that one director’s post was cut as part of our multi-million pound savings package to bring in the council’s lowest ever council tax, a move that Councillor Austin and his colleagues fully supported and actually voted for.

“A second director, Richard Webb, has been promoted to a more senior post at one of the country’s largest councils, a promotion that is well-merited and an exciting opportunity for Richard.

“Former chief executive Steve Wellings, who is still currently employed by the authority and working his notice period has decided to concentrate on other projects.”

Councillor Eade said the “ludicrous proposal” for an inquiry would cost thousands of pounds and waste public money. He said there were “identical vacancies with directors” when he succeeded Councillor Austin as leader two years ago.

Council spokesman Nigel Newman said Mr Webb would remain with the council until at least August

“An effective management team remains in place and arrangements are being made to take on his duties when he moves into his new job, while the council will very shortly announce the appointment of an interim chief executive,” he said.

By Kirsty Smallman