Suffolk interim leader launches independent inquiry after death of head of legal

The interim leader of Suffolk County Council has ordered an independent inquiry following the death of acting head David White earlier this month.

Mr White’s body was found on 4 April in woods near Butley. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

According to the BBC, an anonymous letter was sent to Deputy Leader Jane Storey and other senior councillors urging that more support be given to staff in the legal department during a difficult time.

In a statement Storey said: "I can confirm I have received an anonymous correspondence and an independent inquiry has been initiated in line with county council procedures. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment until that inquiry is completed."

Storey stepped up as interim leader after the recent departure of Jeremy Pembroke. The council has also see the departure of monitoring officer Eric Whitfield and director of resource management Graham Dixon.

See also: Tributes paid following death of Suffolk head of legal