ASONS is still a thorn in Labour’s side.

Cllr Linda Thomas swept to power as the new council leader in May with a promise of greater transparency and inclusivity.

The reality, however, is that nothing has changed and Labour is still plotting in secret.

Cllr John Walsh was right to raise the issue of Asons again in his recent letter in The Bolton News although mysteriously its publication was delayed.

The allegations from a former employee in the legal department of the council whose online comments were swiftly deleted from The Bolton News website suggest that far from being a closed case, there is still much for Labour to answer.

The comments were anonymous but there cannot be that many people who have left the legal department since Paul Najsarek dramatically quit his post of chief executive.

Allegations of fraud, falsification of invoices needed to justify the grant and the real reason for Paul Najsarek’s departure surely demand a response from the new leadership if they truly wish to put this sordid issue behind them.

No doubt the council will say it does not respond to anonymous allegation, but I am sure the public will rightly see that as just another attempt to sweep the matter under the leader’s office carpet.

Surely this is the time to come clean.

Cllr Bob Allen

Heaton & Lostock Ward