Police investigations into Keith Barrow complaint 'incomplete'

West Mercia Police confirmed that investigations are "ongoing" regarding the complaint of misconduct in a public office against a man believed to be Mr Barrow that was made in December.

Police were also keen to stress the inquiries currently fall short of a criminal investigation and may be dropped with no action taking place.

West Mercia Police spokesman Paul Roberts said: "Investigations are still ongoing. Inquiries have been progressed but are incomplete at this stage."

Mr Barrow, 62, who represented the Oswestry South ward, stepped down in December after six years at the helm of Shropshire Council.

The Conservative had intended to resign before the next council election but said he brought the decision forward after his "motivation wavered".

Shortly before his resignation a council inquiry found that Mr Barrow had failed to declare an interest while sitting as chairman during a board meeting of council company ip&e.

The inquiry said that Mr Barrow should have declared that he and a man from an accountancy firm which was appointed as ip&e's auditors were both directors of a firm called Peakfast. However it said Mr Barrow's actions were a minor "oversight" that benefitted no-one.

Mr Barrow today declined to comment.