East Devon District Council have today clarified what is being done in the case of the Councillor who resigned last week, after allegations of impropriety.

This press release can be found at :  http://www.eastdevongov.uk

DEVON & Cornwall Police is looking into the issue surrounding an East Devon District Councillor who was filmed by a national newspaper apparently suggesting he could influence the planning process.

Former Councillor Graham Brown, who represented the Feniton and Buckerell Ward, has since resigned from the Council but denies any wrongdoing.

The Council’s Monitoring Officer contacted Police Headquarters at Middlemoor shortly after the matter was reported in the Daily Telegraph and was advised that the issue should be reported direct to Action Fraud, an agency appointed by the Home Office to make early enquiries before involving local officers.

The matter was referred to Action Fraud by telephone under the Bribery Act 2010 and EDDC’s own policy on Fraud, Theft and Anti-Corruption, with representatives promising to look in to the matter and get back to the council with updates.

Action Fraud has now referred the matter to the Head of the National Fraud Authority. Meanwhile, EDDC understands that a decision has now been taken by Devon & Cornwall Police to look into the matter.