A CONSULTANT who worked for the former scandal-hit Labour administration at the county council has been served an eviction notice on a £180,000 property given to him by the authority.

Graham Harper (52), a former employee of the council’s development arm, Arch Corporate Holdings Ltd, was made subject of a judgement for possession order at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday following a private prosecution by Northumberland County Council’s Advance Northumberland (Housing) Limited.

The court heard that Mr Harper had paid no rent or mortgage for the council-owned house in Blyth since October 2016. The council, now controlled by the Conservatives, claimed no tenancy agreement existed and no consultancy contract had been agreed or entered into, meaning Mr Harper had no right to remain in the property.

In his absence, Judge Derek Morgan served the eviction notice which ordered Mr Harper to move out within 28 days. Mr Harper was liable for unpaid rent totalling £10,625.20. A council spokesman said Mr Harper had already been served notices to leave the house. “Several hearings had been adjourned by the courts to allow the occupier to provide further required evidence. This had not been provided.”