The CEO of Rochdale Council James Binks has been suspended from his role as chief executive of Rochdale MBC, the authority has confirmed.
Binks who was only appointed last year was being investigated over incidents during his time at Manchester City Council where it is alleged that he showed inappropriate behaviour to a graduate at the council
Last year complaints were made against three senior Manchester City Council executives by younger female members of staff. One of the complaints was against Mr Binks, who was assistant chief executive, which claimed that he was “inappropriately touching and grinding” against a female junior employee while on the dance floor of the Dirty Martini bar in the City Centre
An independent review of the complaint carried out by Weightmans LLP, substantiated the complaint against Mr Binks. It found that the atmosphere was “sleazy” and “creepy” and council HR director Mark Bennett, who witnessed the behaviour, intervened and spoke to Mr Binks.
A Rochdale Council spokesperson confirmed: “James was suspended from work earlier today following a decision made by the leader of the council over the weekend.”
Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, said: “This is the right decision by the council and I’m pleased that they have acted swiftly in responding to these allegations and treating them with the seriousness that they deserve.”
