A BID to discuss an investigation into the conduct of a council leader in public has been rejected.

It follows allegations of an affair between Cllr Aaron Shotton, the leader of Flintshire Council, and a female member of staff who is reported to have been sacked by the authority last week.

The Labour politician is currently the subject of an ongoing Ombudsman’s investigation.

During a full council meeting in Mold, Conservative group leader Clive Carver attemped to raise the issue as an urgent item of business.

However, the chance to debate it was denied by chairman Paul Cunningham on legal grounds.

Cllr Carver said: “At ordinary meetings such as this one there is provision to consider any urgent items of business as determined by the chair to the meeting.

“Recent press reports regarding the dismissal of a female member of staff while the leader of the council remains in post is making Flintshire appear sexist and leaving us, the council, subject to ridicule as well as disrepute.

“Therefore this matter needs to be considered as urgent business.”

Cllr Carver is one of several opposition group leaders who have asked for Cllr Shotton to step down voluntarily while they are looked into.

Advice was sought from the council’s legal officer Gareth Owens on whether the item should be heard.

But he said the Connah’s Quay Central representative should not put forward his defence in the chamber before doing so in front of Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Nick Bennett.

Although the authority has not previously commented on the woman’s dismissal, Mr Owens acknowleged that the disciplinary process in relation to a staff member had concluded.

He said: “In relation to the item that has been raised, I would say that members are aware that one process in relation to an employee has concluded and the process in relation to the councillor is still outstanding and it still underway.

“To that extent there is nothing urgent about this business because that investigation is still underway and not only is it not urgent, it might harm that investigation if we were to comment or debate issues in relation to it in this place, particularly during a webcast meeting.

“Furthermore, I would add that actually for that councillor that would put that councillor in an invidious position.

“So Cllr Shotton should not be rehearsing whatever defence he might wish to put forward in this council chamber before he has had the opportunity to do so in front of the Ombudsman.”

Mr Cunningham said that on the advice of the legal officer, he would not allow the discussion to go ahead.

Earlier this week, Cllr Shotton said he had already met with other group leaders to explain he would be continuing in the role while he waits to respond to the allegations made.

He added: “Given that there is an ongoing process being undertaken by the PSOW, unfortunately, I am unable to comment any further at this stage of the process.”