The chief executive of a Kent local council now faces the sack after 15 months away from his desk while on a salary of around £150,000 a year.

Swale Council has revealed that a whistle-blower made complaints of misconduct by the chief executive, Mark Bilsborough, and a disciplinary hearing was held by QC John Bowers.

Now councillors have voted to follow the QC's advice and sack Mr Bilsborough. The decision is subject to final verification by an independent employment law specialist.

Angela Harrison, leader of the Labour Party criticised the way the case had been handled, arguing the matter should have been sorted out a year ago and slamming the controlling Conservatives for costing the taxpayers dear.

But council leader Andrew Bowles said Mr Bower's report and recommendation had vindicated the way the council had handled the situation.