THE chairman of a committee investigating alleged officer misconduct at Cheshire East Council has been asked to step down from his duties.

Cllr Howard Murray, Conservative member for Poynton East and Pott Shrigley, has relinquished his role as chairman of the Investigation and Disciplinary Committee (IDC).

The council says it has received information which 'raises concerns about actions taken' by Cllr Murray while serving on the IDC.

Further investigations will now be undertaken.

A council spokesman said: “This is a neutral act, intended to protect Cllr Murray and the council from concerns of a similar nature arising whilst the matter is considered further.

“The council is considering very carefully whether this matter is capable of having any adverse impact on the work undertaken by the committees to date.

"Early indications are that the work of the committees to date is not affected by the concerns raised.

“Cllr Margaret Simon, vice-chairman of the IDC, will act as IDC chairman on an interim basis while these matters are resolved.”