They’re dropping like flies. John Lawson, former Deputy Chief Executive, is the latest casualty in the costly investigation into the unlawful procurement of High-Point Rendel. He tried to resign last week, but the committee wouldn’t let him off that lightly. Here’s the latest news from the council press office. Ed
On Monday October 29, the IW Council’s Investigatory and Disciplinary Committee discussed an independent report into the role of John Lawson in the illegal procurement of Undercliff Drive contracts.
The report was compiled by Mr Stewart Dobson who was appointed as an independent representative with the agreement of Mr Lawson to hear the council’s allegations of misconduct against him.
His report followed a three-day disciplinary hearing in September where both Mr Lawson and the council were represented by barristers. In his report, Mr Dobson found that allegations of serious failings by Mr Lawson in relation to the Undercliff issue were substantiated and well founded.
Mr Dobson believed dismissal of Mr Lawson was a reasonable step given the serious nature of his failings.
The Investigatory and Disciplinary Committee agreed and therefore dismissed Mr Lawson. There will be no payment made to Mr Lawson other than his salary up until the date of his dismissal.
Mr Lawson had tendered his resignation on October 25 and did not attend the hearing. However the committee felt that the seriousness of Mr Lawson’s failings meant that resignation was not an appropriate outcome.
Mr Lawson has the opportunity to appeal against the decision to the Appeals Committee of the Council.
Cllr George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chairman of the IDC said: “The Committee found Mr Lawson’s conduct in relation to the Undercliff fell well below the standard the council and Island residents should expect from one of the authority’s most senior officers.”
