Cr Les Larke cleared from corruption allegations
A Bass Coast Shire Councillor has been cleared from any wrongdoings in an alleged bribery to become Mayor. Although he always maintained his innocence, he said “there is certainly hurt and bitterness” towards his fellow councillors.
Bass Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bass Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cr Les Larke has been cleared of corruption allegations by the Local Government Inspectorate.
It was alleged that Cr Larke attempted to bribe fellow councillors in order to secure nomination as Mayor for Bass Coast Shire Council in breach of the Local Government Act 1989.
This allegedly occurred at the councillor only meeting held on October 31, 2018.
Cr Larke allegedly offered each ward $5 million in exchange for the vote as Mayor.
Acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch said that Cr Larke was cleared.
“An investigation did not find evidence that Cr Larke had misused his position in breach of section 76D (2) of the Act,” he said.
“The Inspectorate will take no further action in this matter”.
In a statement issued to The Bass Coast News, Cr Larke said he has always maintained his innocence.
“I have consistently maintained my innocence of any allegation of wrongdoing while suffering from a serious injustice through the anonymous leak of confidential information and an associated smear campaign in the print and social media,” he said.
“I hold no ill will toward my fellow councillors or council officers, and while, in my opinion, they seriously misjudged the situation, there is certainly hurt and bitterness”.
“The point was whether I had committed any wrongdoing, and I did not”.
Cr Larke thanked his family, friends, colleagues and for their support during this time.
“Also my deepest thanks and gratitude to all of my supporters and their unwavering resolve to see justice prevail, and to throw light on a manufactured allegation to reveal the truth,” he said.
MORE NEWS
DRIVER KILLED IN WOODLEIGH CRASH