TORY county councillors have expressed their concerns over the ongoing uncertainty with the leadership of Northumberland County Council.

It follows the announcement of chief executive Daljit Lally’s ‘period of extended leave’, which came after she emailed all 67 county councillors to flag up what she claimed were ‘significant whistle-blowing concerns'.

Ian Hutchinson, county councillor for Haltwhistle, said he has been assured there has been no wrongdoing from the council.

He said: “Everybody is waiting for an independent review to see if something is wrong.

“However it’s very concerning and I am disappointed that was has or has not has happened has meant it’s lead to this point.”

Alnwick’s Conservative county councillor, Coun. Gordon Castle, said he finds the row as ‘unsettling and surprising’.

In a statement to Alnwick Town Council last week, he said: “This is obviously unsettling and surprising to many, including me; however, after discussions with colleagues I am assured that a full and totally independent investigation will follow soon."

Gregah Roughead, county councillor for Berwick West with Ord, is said to have emailed fellow councillors to express his disappointment over the row.