COUNCILLORS have sought legal advice following claims that the new leader of Slough’s Labour Group asserted he would sack senior officers at the borough council.

Slough Borough Council has confirmed this week that a number of councillors have submitted representations disassociating themselves from an alleged statement made by Labour councillor Sohail Munawar.

It is claimed he said he would sack senior council officers if elected council leader. Cllr Munawar has claimed his words were taken out of context and he was referring to having a more accountable organisation.

In an email seen by The Observer, dated May 13, to chief executive Ruth Bagley, Labour cllr Roger Davis, said: “Cllr [Preston] Brooker asked cllr Munawar what he would do if elected leader.

“Cllr Munawar replied that he would sack all the senior management team.

“I think this may cause some problems in the future. I wish to make it clear that I do not agree with what cllr Munawar said and wish to disassociate myself from it.”

The alleged statement was made during the Labour Group AGM on May 7, before cllr Munawar was elected as Labour Group leader and cllr Sabia Hussain was appointed deputy.

As previously reported in this newspaper, cllr Munawar is yet to become leader of the council due to a change in the constitution which means that the former Labour Group leader, cllr Rob Anderson, must serve a four-year term. A vote on whether cllr Anderson should step down will take place on June 6 .

A Labour councillor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “Cllr Munawar and cllr Hussain wanted to go straight to a vote [at the AGM] but it was pointed out they should at least make a speech and answer questions about what they would do if elected.

“At that time I think he thought if he was getting elected he was the leader of both the Labour Group and the council.”

Following the AGM several councillors raised concerns that cllr Munawar’s statement put the council at risk of facing a case for constructive dismissal. This could potentially lead to the council defending an employment tribunal and councillors were worried they would be personally liable in this situation, possibly putting things such as their homes at risk.

Speaking to The Observer, cllr Munawar defended his words, calling the accusation “totally different and extreme”. He explained he had said a strong approach was needed in ensuring the organisation is held to account.

He said: “It is about performance and accountability. So either [staff] perform or they go.”

In a statement he added: “It is a sign of frustration and cowardice that individuals make unwarranted and unsubstantiated malicious allegations in regards to how Slough Council will run under my leadership.

“These allegations are all false, I am committed to making Slough a better place for all as are my fellow Labour councillors.

"We will continue to work hand-in-hand with council officers to ensure together we provide good practice, accountability and performance.”