Hanningfield re-arrested: Calls for independent investigation at County Council

Brentwood's Liberal Democrat County Councillors, Cllr Barry Aspinell & Cllr David Kendall, have joined the growing demand for a full, independent investigation into the financial affairs of the organisation after Lord Hanningfield (Paul White) was, according to the BBC, arrested for matters relating to fraud at the county council just days after his release from prison after serving nine weeks of a nine month sentence after his conviction for fraud at the House of Lords.

The BBC says he has now been released on police bail.

Bob Russell, Colchester's Lib Dem MP last night repeated his call for for a full, independent inquiry into the stewardship of Essex County Council during the time Lord Hanningfield was Leader of the Council. He said he felt "questions need to be asked of Officers and Councillors as to who knew what, and when".

Today, the Liberal Democrat group at Essex Council backed the MPs call. County Cllr Aspinell added:

"Essex residents need to know exactly what went on here and who was involved. This is the money that they pay through their council tax and all councillors have a responsibility to ensure that it is spent wisely and honestly."