West Northamptonshire Council leader says sorry to abuse victims

Adam Brown is the acting leader of the council until a new leader is elected next month

The acting leader of a council whose previous leader quit amid domestic abuse allegations said he was "deeply sorry" to women who "feel let down".

Adam Brown's comments follow criticism from victims' charities of West Northamptonshire Council's "inaction" after the allegations became public.

Mr Brown, Conservative, said he wanted to talk to the charities about how "relationships can be repaired".

The former leader, Jonathan Nunn, denies the allegations against him.

Mr Nunn, 59, stepped down from his post as leader of the unitary council after the BBC published claims from five women that they had suffered threatening or controlling behaviour from him.

Christine Morgan, from Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge (Eve), co-wrote an open letter

Five charities signed an open letter saying that Mr Nunn should have been suspended as soon as allegations were made.

It added that the "inaction" pending investigation "could literally cost lives".

In a statement, Mr Brown said: "Having had time to fully digest the contents of the recent letter from local domestic violence charities, I would like to place on record my wholehearted support for the valuable work that they do and I would like to sit down with them all at the earliest available opportunity to discuss how relationships can be repaired and our vital partnership work can continue.

"My condemnation of domestic violence and abuse in all forms is absolute and... I will work tirelessly to ensure that this council treats victims who seek our help with the compassion and support that they need."

"To all those who have suffered domestic abuse, and feel let down or angry right now, I am deeply sorry.

"I know that we have a lot to do to regain your trust and we will do our utmost to achieve that."

Jonathan Nunn said he strenuously denied the allegations against him

Earlier this week, another Conservative councillor, Richard Solesbury-Timms, left the group and joined the independent councillors, saying he could not "stand by due to the inaction and the stance of the leadership towards the allegation."

The Chief Executive of the council, Anna Earnshaw, said the authority had no "legal powers to spend or remove an elected member from their role as councillor".

Northamptonshire Police confirmed "preliminary inquiries" were under way to investigate the allegations.