Newhaven: Ex-town clerk takes council to tribunal

During the past year the solid LibDem town council has remained tight-lipped about the reason for Mr Archer s leaving.

It refused to say whether he was sacked or resigned and held all meetings to discuss him behind closed doors.

But a year after his mysterious departure from the town council offices in Fort Road the Employment Tribunal confirmed the complaint had been lodged.

Mr Archer s case was due to be heard at tribunal on Wednesday but was postponed. No reason was given as to why and it has yet to be rescheduled.

Councillors have refused to give a specific reason for why Mr Archer left, stating only that it was to do with his conduct of council business . Mr Archer has made no public comment.

However, sources closes to the events said their was friction between Mr Archer and some councillors which resulted in disagreements.

Newhaven councillor Peter Harper, who is also chairman of Lewes District Council, told the Sussex Express that employment law made it impossible for the council to comment on Mr Archer s complaint.

However, he was quick to stress there was no allegation of financial mismanagement.

Newhaven Mayor David Fitton issued a brusque No comment .

Mr Archer was suspended on full pay until February this year when the council revealed he would not be returning to his 30,000-a-year job.

This followed an investigation by independent personnel consultants.

Opposition party members have constantly called on the council to reveal how much the saga has cost taxpayers and accused it of a cover up .

The council has yet to replace Mr Archer and is in the process of advertising for a new town clerk.

Published: 13.7.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd