A FORMER MP has described the imposed leave of Suffolk County Council’s chief executive as a “major political failure” which the authority’s Conservative leadership must take responsibility for.

Chris Mole, a former county council leader and Labour MP for Ipswich from 2001 to 2010, believes the council must seek “professional help” to deal with reported “whistle-blowing complaints” about Andrea Hill.

The controversial boss has been asked to take extended leave to allow an investigation and independent review.

Mr Mole said that the Conservative leadership must take responsibility for the beleaguered chief executive.

He said: “I think they’ve got themselves into a situation which indicates a lack of experience in managing senior public staff by the controlling Conservative councillors at Endeavour House.

“They need to take external professional advice about how to manage Ms Hill in order to get out of this current situation in which they are paying a lot of money for her to do nothing.”

Mr Mole said he has spoken with employees of the county council who are uncomfortable with the authority’s boss.

Mr Mole said: “They know there is a problem with Andrea Hill and the Conservative leadership at the council.

“People know councillors haven’t been managing her properly and they understand the Conservative leadership must have accountability for this situation.”