Cambridgeshire mayor whistleblowing probe report complete

Labour's Nik Johnson was elected as Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor in 2021

A report related to accusations a mayor did not take appropriate action over the alleged behaviour of an advisor has been completed, the BBC understands.

A previous whistleblowing inquiry found an advisor to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Nik Johnson "caused stress and strain to colleagues".

It is understood solicitors have now concluded a report into code of conduct complaints made against Mr Johnson.

A panel will now consider the report and consider any action.

Mr Johnson declined to comment while the case was ongoing.

Last week, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) chief executive Rob Bridge said its monitoring officer determined the report should be referred to a panel.

In a statement, the CPCA said it was "unable to confirm the identity of the elected member who is currently under investigation".

"The identity of the elected member is subject to protection until a duly constituted hearing panel determined that there is a breach of the code of conduct, and this can only be at the conclusion of a hearing panel.

"We will continue to adhere to legal guidance to protect the integrity of the process and not comment further at this time."

But the BBC understands it relates to the previously reported whistleblowing inquiry related to the Labour mayor.

The role of mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough was created in 2017

Mr Bridge added: "That panel will be established by the combined authority's audit and governance committee and will consider the report and what further action to take.

"This hearing may be held partly or wholly in public, if the panel believes this is necessary to protect the privacy of people involved in the matters under investigation.

"The outcome of the panel's consideration of the report, and any recommendations will be made public, having regard to data protection laws and natural justice."

The original investigation began after an anonymous whistleblowing complaint was made to CPCA board member, Conservative councillor Ryan Fuller, in October 2021.

Mr Bridge said he recognised the investigation had taken a "considerable time, but that has been necessary to allow a thorough, impartial and fair investigation to take place".

The advisor, Nigel Pauley, previously refuted "any improper behaviour on the part of myself or the mayor" and had described the report arising from the whistleblowing complaint being leaked to the press as "part of a vexatious politically motivated smear campaign".