The ICAC is investigating whether Connolly subverted recruitment processes to benefit her friends and whether she spied on staff and a councillor.

Texts from former council boss Gail Connolly reveal she wanted to “get rid of” staff and that the “Pink Ladies play the long game”, the ICAC has heard.

Ex-CEO Gail Connolly pressured a staffer to leave over critical messages and declared she never put her own complaints “in writing”, the inquiry heard.