Inside the political row where a former clerk will be paid out £50k

The entire council of a small village has resigned after 'gossip and chaos' cost it £50,000.

Puddington in the Wirral was plunged into disarray following allegations members of the organisation had falsely blamed the clerk for creating a toxic environment.

The accused Luke Trevaskis sued the parish council - but it refused to take part in the proceedings and threatened to report the employment tribunal to the police for harassment.

Despite this Mr Trevaskis was subsequently awarded a £48,913 payout.

The tribunal in Liverpool said the dispute had started a year after Mr Trevaskis began his role in 2020 when he obtained insurance for the organisation - though councillors failed to authorise payment.