BURY Council has promised 'the fullest possible disclosure' of reports into child safeguarding failures that have led to the resignation of two town hall bosses.

Cllr Rishi Shori, the council leader, says that he wants to 'restore public confidence' in the council at an extraordinary meeting next Thursday.

Mike Owen, the council's former chief executive, and Mark Carriline, the former executive director for children, young people and culture, both resigned following the conclusion of two reports into the handling of a councillor accused of making indecent images of children.

Former councillor Simon Carter pleaded guilty and was given a three year community order in 2015.

Mr Owen resigned on the eve of a disciplinary committee due to hear allegations raised by the reports, while Mr Carriline – who the same committee recommended should be dismissed — quit before a council meeting could be held to vote on its recommendation.

A special Bury Council meeting will be held next Thursday, July 20, to discuss the reports.

Cllr Shori said: “From the very start, my aim has been to get at the truth surrounding the allegations of misconduct by senior officers in this case.

“This is why I ordered the initial investigation by childcare expert Malcolm Newsam CBE, which subsequently led to the second review, carried out by Charles Bourne QC.

"Throughout, we have also had ongoing dialogue with the Department of Communities and Local Government, Ofsted, and the council’s external auditors KPMG.

“This case has revolved around child safeguarding procedures not being followed and, while no child was harmed, it is vital that lessons are learned and that the failures of the past are not repeated.

"We decided to hold this extraordinary council meeting to receive the HR Panel’s report and to debate the notices of motion put down by the political groups. I want the fullest possible disclosure of what went wrong and what we have done about it, so as to restore public confidence.

“It is my intention to hold this meeting in public, and to publish both the Newsam and Bourne reports, as far as is legally possible.”

Cllr Shori has also confirmed that neither Mr Owen nor Mr Carriline received any payoff after their resignations.

He added: “Firstly, neither Mr Owen nor Mr Carriline have received any payoff or any financial inducement.

“Secondly, the council accepted their resignations because legally we could not force them to remain to serve their notice period. They left immediately without payment of notice, which is exactly the same position as if they had been summarily dismissed.

“We need a new beginning at this council and a new way of doing things, all the way through. I, and the public, expect all members of staff and members - from the most junior to the chief executive - to maintain the highest possible standards.”

The meeting will be held at 7.30pm next Thursday at Bury Town Hall.