The Labour Leader of Haringey Council refused to answer an urgent question put by Cllr Wayne Hoban, Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems, at the Full Council meeting on Monday night.

Cllr Hoban had asked him to explain, “what advice he had received from the outgoing Chief Executive about potential conflicts of interest in his role as a Council representative on the board of the Haringey Business Development Agency (HBDA), and will he publish this advice?”

Despite repeated requests, Cllr Adje refused to disclose this information, claiming that he had been legally advised not to do so, but adding that the Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Neil Williams, would receive confidential briefing papers which he must not make public or share with his council colleagues.

The question was asked because the Liberal Democrats have serious concerns about this issue. These relate to Cllr Adje’s position on the board of HBDA – which had submitted a funding bid to the Council and thereby created a potential conflict of interest.

Allegations have been circulating that the Labour Leader was advised by the outgoing Chief Executive that retaining his seat on the HBDA board was a clear and extremely serious conflict of interest. Subsequent to giving this advice, the Chief Executive has announced his surprise departure from his post. Cllr Adje has since resigned his position on the HBDA board.

Cllr Hoban comments:

“This is a serious issue which must be addressed. It is clearly unacceptable that the Council Leader continues to refuse to answer this important question. Cllr Adje has been advised he does not have to make this information public, but there is nothing to stop him doing so if he is interested in openness and transparency. Councillors must address this matter with all the facts before them, in the interests of this Council’s reputation which has taken a battering from Labour over recent years.”