A thought

[Ted]

Have just spoken to a local councillor, member of the ruling group, who is still open minded about the feasibility study. If it turns out that Cllr Stokes overstepped his authority by blocking the study, might he not be personally liable for all costs involved? He will have spent council money he did not have the authority to spend.

[BFR]

If that were the case then it would be an issue between Martyn Deaner and Cllr Stokes, given that as of yesterday the club should have been passed over to the council from Deaner, as per his letter to the council and press release.

 

An interesting thought though, and one that no doubt has had the council legal team looking into

[Ted]

No, I think it works this way.

Stokes, as Leader breaks the contract, but he doesn't have council authority to do so. Deaner gets his refund off the council (which he is entitled to, off the council), and some bright council tax payer, who is after all footing the bill complains to the District Auditor about expenditure being committed to without council approval.

If proved, the then council leader may be personnally responsible for --a bit like the Lady Porter business at Westminster Council---cost her £12 million.