DORSET County Council’s leader will continue to receive his full allowance during his six week absence from the top job, it has been confirmed.

Conservative Cllr Spencer Flower announced earlier this week he would “step aside” from the leadership for an initial six weeks after he was charged with three criminal offences. But he remains as council leader.

Deputy leader Cllr Robert Gould will “fulfil” Cllr Flower’s duties during this six week period, but has not been designated acting leader.

County council records show Cllr Flower received a basic allowance and special responsibility allowance of £38,596.36 in 2013/14 plus authorised mileage of £4,491.00. He is also entitled to £4,071 as an East Dorset councillor.

When the Daily Echo asked Dorset County Council whether he was continuing to draw his full allowance since stepping aside, the response was: “The county council constitution allows the leader a break of up to six weeks, during which he or she will continue to receive the special responsibility allowance – for example, if the leader is ill or on holiday.

“If Cllr Flower is unable to fulfil his normal duties after this six-week period then the situation would be reviewed.”

This will have to be done by a special meeting of the full council.

Cllr Flower, 72, of Verwood, has been charged by police with three offences of failing to declare an interest in property planning in East Dorset.

He is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates on December 2.

The leader of the Liberal Democrat group Cllr Janet Dover has expressed concerns about how Cllr Flower’s decision to stand aside temporarily would be perceived by the public.

She said: “I just feel from a public’s point of view they will see a situation where he will be paid as the leader but will not be acting as the leader.

“And then there is this time in the not too distant future when it will be reviewed but on the basis of what criteria?”

Earlier this week Cllr Dover said she was concerned about damage to the reputation of Dorset County Council by Cllr Flower’s decision to remain as leader.

Suspended from Conservative group

CLLR Spencer Flower remains leader of Dorset County Council but has been suspended from the Conservative group, it has emerged.
He has been suspended in line with group rules as he has been charged with a criminal offence.

The same rules state that a member charged with a criminal offence can be reinstated provided they are acquitted or charges are dropped.
Conservative members were informed of the decision by group secretary David Jones.
Mr Jones told the Echo: “It’s not that we have all got together and decided to suspend him; the rules say a member charged with a criminal offence is automatically suspended.

"It’s a Conservative central office mandated rule, we have no discrimination. I have notified the members.”
Dorset County Council said any decision to suspend Cllr Flower was a matter for the Conservative group.
A spokesman added: “The leader of the county council is elected for a four-year term by all members following the council elections. Under our constitution, Cllr Flower remains leader of the council unless or until the full council decides otherwise.”