THE latest meeting of the panel hearing complaint against a former borough boss was cancelled after one of its members stepped down.

The Ribble Valley Council probe into allegations of 'bullying' by its ex-leader Cllr Ken Hind is now on hold while a replacement is found for Liberal Democrat Cllr Allan Knox.

He resigned from the sub-group of the Accounts and Audit Committee investigating former chairman of the borough planning committee Cllr Sue Bibby allegations about her treatment by fellow Conservative Cllr Hind he he was council leader.

Cllr Knox's decision to quit followed a complaint by Cllr Hind about his presence on the panel as in his capacity as leader of the opposition he had moved a motion of no confidence in Cllr Hind at a October's Ribble Valley Full Council meeting.

Cllr Hind, who quit his post as leader in December, alleged this constituted a 'conflict of interest'.

The Dilworth councillor has also complained to the Local Government Ombudsman about the handling of Cllr Bibby's complaint by borough chief executive Marshal Scott and two other senior officers of the council.

He claims they had caused 'inordinate delay' and failed to ensure a 'balanced' investigation.

A Ribble Valley Council spokeswoman said: "The complaint hearing was cancelled following the resignation of one of the three member panel. A full report will be presented to the Accounts and Audit Committee.

" I can also confirm that the council has received a number of complaints about senior officers and a councillor involved in the handling of this particular complaint."

Cllr Hind and Cllr Knox both declined to comment.