Norfolk County Council leader Derrick Murphy.

Investigator’s report into controversial email will remain unseen, says Norfolk County Council

By VICTORIA LEGGETT Monday, July 23, 2012
5:50 PM

The investigation report into a controversial email sent under the direction of Norfolk County Council leader Derrick Murphy will not be made public – despite calls for it to be brought into the open.

The email, which was sent by political assistant Kevin Vaughan to BBC Radio Norfolk, appeared to undermine West Norfolk Council leader and fellow Conservative Nick Daubney over the King’s Lynn incinerator.

Last week the findings of an independent probe into the incident were released and found it was Mr Murphy who had asked for it to be sent to Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad.

At a meeting of the full council today, a number of councillors asked for the full report to be made available to them so they could read it for themselves.

But David White, the authority’s chief executive, insisted the details of the official investigation were confidential and that no-one beyond those directly involved in the report had seen it.

Reading a statement to a meeting of the full council yesterday, he said: “It is very important that council understands why the report of the independent investigator, John Anslow, is and will remain confidential.

“The report was commissioned by the county council when the email of the political assistant Kevin Vaughan came to light following a Freedom of Information Request made on April 24. It was commissioned under the council’s employment processes to review the alleged accusations against a member of council staff.

“Only those involved in those employment processes have been authorised to have sight of the investigator’s report. In addition to the independent investigator, Kevin Vaughan, and his representative, only eight people – all senior officers of the council involved in the investigation and the subsequent employment procedures – have had sight of the report. As always in internal employment matters, the council must respect the legitimate rights of the employee.

“The council will not release a copy of the report.”

47 comments

'In order to enjoy the inestimable benefits that an incinerator brings, it is necessary to submit to the inevitable evils it creates'..... Faux Alexis de Tocqueville

Report this comment

popeye

Sunday, July 29, 2012
"In a Democracy, the people get the government they deserve" - Alexis de Tocqueville - - - - I just wonder what the people of Norfolk have done to deserve this bunch of clowns?!

Report this comment

Norfolk and Good

Saturday, July 28, 2012
A freedom of information request showed that in 2006 -2007 English incinerators had broken the law almost 1400 times. 65.516 said No Derrick Murphy no wonder you are running like a rabbit.

Report this comment

Jack

Thursday, July 26, 2012
This is a report a few days ago . This is what the people of Dargavel in Dumfries have to put up with. Yes waste incinertors do cause cancer and the people of King's Lynn will be living right next door to a cancer belching monster. A SERIES of highly toxic emissions from Scotland's newest waste incinerator in breach of safety limits are threatening to upset plans to build similar controversial plants across the country. An energy-from-waste plant at Dargavel in Dumfries has had its operations restricted by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) after it admitted releasing cancer-causing dioxins up to two-and-a-half times permitted levels into the air. Usually they get a few slapped wrists then it is business as usual. Derrick Murphy should resign.

Report this comment

Jack

Thursday, July 26, 2012
I cannot believe Peter Franzen wrote that letter condoning Murphy's appalling behaviour. Decent journalists everywhere must be cringing. I have no doubt that people knew because I was woken at 3am to be told of the leadership battle. But it is the way he left that poor chap Kevin to take the rap. Disgusting and to treat that like an amusing anecdote is dreadful Mr Franzen. I would have hoped that the EDP would have treated his letter with the contempt it deserves - but they gave it pride of place on the letters page. Shameful.

Report this comment

alecto

Thursday, July 26, 2012
Yes the story unfolds. This is why there was so much hostility to opponents of the burner at county hall meetings including Henry Bellingham and Nick Daubney. Now we see why nine Tory county councillors voted for the burner. Murphy’s had vengeance in mind. No chance of being re-elected in west Norfolk, so loss of £60 k. Create the hysteria by coming up with stories of harassment but never informed the police. By using Radio Norfolk he had sown the seeds to cause a division between West Norfolk and County Hall. This is while the planning consultation was on! so the planning decision is null and void.

Report this comment

CleanAirPlease

Thursday, July 26, 2012
Yet another desperate act by a desperate man.

Report this comment

Honest John

Thursday, July 26, 2012
Choice and Alan Allen have identified highly significant information that involves both the Murphy’s. This is why Nick Daubney has been singled out. Also why the over the top security measures were implemented at all the planning meetings where residents of west Norfolk were present. I am sure the leader will have sympathy with County Hall staff as they have no chance of winning next County elections in West Norfolk. This must have influence on his county councillors that voted for the burner. Grudge and axe to grind sounds right.

Report this comment

Knee deep In Toxic ash

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Derrick Murphy holds a grudge as his wife Janet did not stand as Borough Councillor over the burner. This was due to her being the only councillor not vote in favour. She abstained as the Borough had insulted the incinerator by calling it mass burn incinerator. Now they both do not have any chance of being re-elected as county councillors in west Norfolk they both have an axe to grind and they have singled out Nick Daubney.

Report this comment

Choice

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Peter Franzen OBE has missed the point. Derrick Murphy had done what he had done for financial gain for Cory Wheelabrator. Destroy any opposition to the incinerator as millions of £s riding on the planning decision. He also had created the conditions to disadvantage Nick Daubney financially by character assignation. The minimum requirement is he should be suspended from duty and police should be informed.

Report this comment

Alan Allan

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Same Lodge?

Report this comment

Marigold

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
We now have Peter Franzen OBE, former editor of the EDP, writing to the letters pages to say that politicians do brief against each other and that no more time money or effort should be wasted on this "spat". Has he missed entirely the crucial issues? If so, he must be very naive.

Report this comment

Nemesis

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
After the predetermined planning meeting there was plenty of evidence that Henry Bellingham was intimidated by a bunch of no marks. He would have reported this incident to Government and now the revelation of character assignation of Nick Daubney by Derrick Murphy will make sure the planning issue is scrutinised to the hilt. County Hall would be better releasing the information and let nature take its course. Another couple of points. It was handy the result of the inquiry came after the vote for the burner. NCC seems to have the same style of working procedure as Cory Wheelabrator. They think they are immune but so did staff at the News of the World. The issue is the intension to disadvantage Nick Daubney by putting him on the spot on the program. This could have lost him the Borough election and money that goes with the job.

Report this comment

Alan Allan

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
If a copy of the external investigator's report has been sent to two Conservative officials who have no connection with NCC or the employment processes, then David White’s statement is incorrect. Whatever these 2 people have seen, be it a full report or part of, should now be in the public domain, not concealed. I think now would be a good time for the people of Norfolk to see the investigation report which led to Mr White leaving his previous job.

Report this comment

Honest John

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
bedoomed, what would the UKIP campaign be about, oh yes, the same issue, i.e. lest get out of Europe.... An Alliance of Independents is growing and their aiming at all voters, not just party hacks, away from party politics back room decision making and lack of consultation. Everyone can set up their own branch, get to it, filter out a credible candidate for yourselfs.

Report this comment

ingo wagenknecht

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
What good can one individual Councillor do, apart from looking into issues for hisher electorate? A big group might challenge and have effect where there is a tightly balanced council. But in true blue Norfolk? Unfortunately I cannot see these shenanigans translating into lost seats. Low turnout is the most likely result in 2013 and UKIP getting a seat or two, is that good for Norfolk?

Report this comment

bedoomed

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
bedoomed, what would the UKIP campaign be about, oh yes, the same issue, i.e. lest get out of Europe.... An Alliance of Independents is growing and their aiming at all voters, not just party hacks, away from party politics back room decision making and lack of consultation. Everyone can set up their own branch, get to it, filter out a credible candidate for yourselfs.

Report this comment

ingo wagenknecht

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
bedoomed, what would the UKIP campaign be about, oh yes, the same issue, i.e. lest get out of Europe.... An Alliance of Independents is growing and their aiming at all voters, not just party hacks, away from party politics back room decision making and lack of consultation. Everyone can set up their own branch, get to it, filter out a credible candidate for yourselfs.

Report this comment

ingo wagenknecht

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
bedoomed, what would the UKIP campaign be about, oh yes, the same issue, i.e. lest get out of Europe.... An Alliance of Independents is growing and their aiming at all voters, not just party hacks, away from party politics back room decision making and lack of consultation. Everyone can set up their own branch, get to it, filter out a credible candidate for yourselfs.

Report this comment

ingo wagenknecht

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
What good can one individual Councillor do, apart from looking into issues for hisher electorate? A big group might challenge and have effect where there is a tightly balanced council. But in true blue Norfolk? Unfortunately I cannot see these shenanigans translating into lost seats. Low turnout is the most likely result in 2013 and UKIP getting a seat or two, is that good for Norfolk?

Report this comment

bedoomed

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The gravy train is coming to an abrupt stop for many County Councillors in May 2013. They have a moral duty to scrutinise and clean up the rot that has set in County Hall. With the incinerator issue we are aware who fights for justice in the county, as they have been vocal in county hall and have the guts to stand up for the rights of the ratepayer. The problem is there are so many Councillors that sit on the fence just for the money and expenses and are yes men or women!

Report this comment

Alan Allan

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
David White - any chance of a redacted version or is it that its Top Secret- Your eyes only- Category A - my goodness NCC is employing very powerful people - sounds like a hammed-up version of Spooks.

Report this comment

maryjane

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Is anyone in touch with the Turks and Caicos? Is anyone in touch with the person who sent him there? If so. forward this article please?

Report this comment

maryjane

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
This morning on BBC Radio Norfolk. The discussion was about the UK Independence party. It looks as though they are striking while the irons hot and drumming up support. West Norfolk will see two vacancies with the Tory party namely the Murphy family. A few other lame ducks that kept their heads down while the incinerator issue has gone on will regret the day they followed the school yard bully instead of disassociating themselves with the electorate. The Tory party if not careful will be in meltdown mode if they do not change their ways. What is the use of a carrot when you get voted out of power?

Report this comment

Knee deep In Toxic ash

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Isn't it about time someone should call in to question the current NCC Leader's judgement...

Report this comment

Scooby

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Is this all a massive cover up over Cllr.s affairs with Wheelabrator? Why is it that Mr. Murphy can't fall on his own sword? even if he endangers the Tory party and their voters for years to come, he is being cosseted. Now that two hats David Wright of Thurrock fame has got his fingers out, ensuring us that nobody will see the report, I presume that it soon will be leaked in a pitchforks at dawn exercise.

Report this comment

ingo wagenknecht

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Deputy leader - collective wisdom? Please don't bedoomed I will fall off my chair. I've never heard the words deputy leader and wisdom used in the same sentence before. Young Kevin would be wise to take the rotten NCC to an employment tribunal otherwise others will never know if he was part of this or just acting under orders. I hope that it why the report is not being released. It is on its way to an employment tribunal. Do the sensible things Kevin. You know it makes sense.

Report this comment

alecto

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
popeye, I think Murphy has already 'promised' the Commissioner's role to his little friend Phil Hardy as a reward for defecting from the Greens....

Report this comment

Fenscape

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Derrick Murphy reminds me of another senior Conservative party politician locally who raised similar concerns about unaccountability,Robert Chase.It was thought then there was too much power in the hands of one man.If history does repeat itself in this respect,eventually then people power will win the day.These Alpha male Tories tend not to go voluntarily though.

Report this comment

Peter Watson

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Community engagement, open government, what do these words mean?

Report this comment

norfolkngood

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Derrick Murphy for Norfolk Police Commissioner?

Report this comment

popeye

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I cannot remember when a leader of NCC ever attracted such deserved opprobrium. To my mind, two principal factors are keeping Murphy afloat. One is the hold that he has over the rest of the Cabinet and the Tory rank and file by his "stick and carrot" tactics. The other is the readiness of publicly funded officers to protect his (limited) political future. A number of them are working for him rather than us, and this has to stop.

Report this comment

John Martin

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I always thought Alan Partridge was Norfolk's most idiotic figure of ridicule, but that is clearly no longer the case!!

Report this comment

Norfolk and Good

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I always thought Alan Partridge was Norfolk's most idiotic figure of ridicule, but that is clearly no longer the case!!

Report this comment

Norfolk and Good

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Very canny bedoomed - especially as the deputy leader has all the charm and dynamic action of a wet blanket in a tumble dryer.

Report this comment

Fenscape

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
What a triumph for local democracy! - still these things have a nasty habit of coming back to haunt polititians come the glorious day of the next local elections - this 'political leader' seems well suited to life in Westminster possibly - probably soon have a duck pond and a moat etc all sorted out.

Report this comment

LR Series 2A

Monday, July 23, 2012
Suspend the leader pending a Q.C's report into this case, and let Cabinet then take responsibility for actions taken in his absence, no matter how long it takes. This is not a time to have the Deputy leader in charge, collective wisdom and experience are needed. The process will cost money and take time but the reputation of the County Council is at stake.

Report this comment

bedoomed

Monday, July 23, 2012
David White won't do anything to jeopardise his whopping salary and benefits. He'll do what every good doggie does and roll over when Derrick tickles his tummy.....

Report this comment

Fenscape

Monday, July 23, 2012
It is just a plain case of character assassination. If I were Nick Daubney I would be taking legal advice. This is the trouble with County hall. No transparency at all. David White needs to take a grip as it is him that has allowed NCC to come in to a sorry state of affairs.

Report this comment

Alan Allan

Monday, July 23, 2012
So County Hall has diplomatic immunity. We pay their wages they work for us. If this was a phone hacker or banker the government would be on them like a ton of bricks.

Report this comment

Knee deep In Toxic ash

Monday, July 23, 2012
NCC and murphy are bent as hell.

Report this comment

Steve33

Monday, July 23, 2012
That man Murphy is bad news indeed. I hope the constituents in South Norfolk, where he is going to stand realise this.

Report this comment

Joe Mullets Uncle

Monday, July 23, 2012
The circus carries on, what a complete and utter shambles. Derrick Murphy should have been sacked, no council wants this man. What is the point of an investigation when nothing has been done. The tory cabinet members are like a tight knitted jumper and the colour is yellow. Cowards !!!. Nick Daubney has come out untarnished in all of this. How many more emails has Derrick Murphy instigated to undermine King's Lynn and West Norfolk ? It is nice to know that Nick Conrad did not use the extravagant ludicrous email in his show.

Report this comment

Jack

Monday, July 23, 2012
The only answer is a new independent investigation into Derrick Murphy's role. We should drop "Kevingate" in favour of "Murphygate". Wiil the EDP organise an online poll to see how many people are in favour of this, please?

Report this comment

Nemesis

Monday, July 23, 2012
A shining example to our friends in the Turks and Caicos Islands......

Report this comment

Fenscape

Monday, July 23, 2012
The report must be serious. If it was the other way and Derrick Murphy came of good, NCC would make sure the results were broadcast on the national news. County Hall is like the Kremlin and only release good news.

Report this comment

Choice

Monday, July 23, 2012
Thank you EDP for keeping this story live and in the news.

Report this comment

Marigold

Monday, July 23, 2012