Eric Pickles: Sandwell Council deputy was right to resign
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles says Sandwell Council's deputy leader was right to his post following allegations relating to the sale of council property.
Deputy leader Mahboob Hussain and Ian Jones, cabinet member for jobs and economy, both stood down last week after fresh allegations came to light concerning the sale of some old public toilets.
Mr Pickles said that due to the serious nature of the allegations, stepping down was 'the sensible thing to do' for Councillor Hussain.
"He would not have been able to give his role the best shot had he continued with such allegations hanging over him," said Mr Pickles.
"When people decide to stay on in these types of circumstances it's never wise. Standing down is the sensible thing to do.
Councillor Hussain, who represents Oldbury, stood down as deputy leader on Friday having previously left his role chairing the council's asset management and land disposal committee.
It is the first time Councillor Jones, who represents Tipton Green, has been accused of wrongdoing.
The fresh allegation, details of which have not been disclosed, is understood to have been made internally at the council and is not part of the police investigation.
It claims normal processes and procedures were not followed 'in relation to the sale of some redundant public toilets'. The toilets concerned are understood to be Albert Street, Oldbury, Jervoise Lane in Stone Cross and The Shambles in Wednesbury.
Councillor Hussain has also faced questions over the sale of the old Smethwick coroner's office in Crocketts Lane to his son Azeem Hafeez.
The asset land and disposal committee had approved officers' recommendations to sell the office.
Councillors Hussain and Jones have both strenuously denied any impropriety and have vowed to co-operate fully with any inquiry. They also made voluntary requests to be placed on administrative suspension by the Labour party.
A police investigation relating to the sale of council land is ongoing.
Last September Councillor Hussain apologised after it was revealed he had failed to declare a business interest in Five Star Taxis, which was awarded contracts by Sandwell Council.
