Councillors ‘bewildered’ over alleged $1m offer from Cr Les Larke
A Bass Coast Shire councillor has weighed in on corruption allegations levelled against Cr Les Larke, saying it all went down in a very strange meeting that left them all scratching their heads in disbelief. Here’s what happened.
Bass Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bass Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Bass Coast Shire councillor has confirmed allegations against Cr Les Larke, describing the alleged incident as bewildering.
Cr Stephen Fullarton told The Bass Coast News he was present in a meeting on October 31, 2018 where Cr Larke allegedly offered $1 million to each three council wards on the condition they voted him as Mayor.
“Cr Larke simply asked if he spent $1 million in each ward, would we put him in as Mayor,” Cr Fullarton said.
“The councillors were generally bewildered and taken aback by it”.
Cr Fullarton claims that Cr Larke was asked on three occasions if he was serious and “he said yes”.
“He upped it to possibly $5 million but it was then the meeting disbanded in a hurry when the Mayor and others walked out and reported the incident”.
Cr Fullarton said he initially thought the offer was “just in jest”.
“It was just weird, the whole situation was very strange,” he said.
“We were there to discuss potential candidates for Mayor and that’s where it stemmed from”.
Cr Fullarton didn’t report the matter at the time because he believed three other councillors had.
He believes the latest inquiry was sparked by a member of the public.
Bass Coast Shire chief executive Ali Wastie confirmed the investigation against a present councillor on September 25.
“The investigation is ongoing and is being undertaken by the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate,” she said.
“Council is unable to comment on the specifics of the matter in order to afford fairness to the individual.”
The Bass Coast News has contacted Cr Les Larke for comment.
MORE NEWS