Sandwell Council leader Bill Thomas quits after being charged with theft
Sandwell Council leader Bill Thomas has quit after being charged by police with theft.
Coun Thomas, aged 69, resigned as council leader today, although he remains a councillor. He was one of the West Midlands’ longest serving council leaders.
Deputy Labour group leader Steve Elking has taken over the task of leading the council.
Details of the alleged offence are unclear, but Sandwell Council chief executive Dr Allison Fraser confirmed that Coun Thomas had decided to stand down.
Dr Fraser said: “The council has been notified that a 69-year-old man has been charged with theft.
“We have been advised by police that this is a personal matter. The council has not been approached by police about their investigation.”
Coun Thomas’s decision to quit was reported to shocked colleagues at a Sandwell cabinet meeting this morning.
Coun Eling said: “Coun Thomas’s resignation is for reasons which are wholly unconnected with the council and his role here.
“For us it is business as usual. We have recently strengthened the leadership team by appointing a third deputy.
“I as leader and councillors Pauline Hinton and Darren Cooper as deputies are available to ensure council business goes ahead smoothly.”
