Jim Brooks's suspension is a "precautionary" measure

Jim Brooks, the chief executive of Hull City Council, has been suspended during the two-month independent inquiry.

In 2002 the council was ordered to take action to improve services after being branded "failing" by the Audit Commission.

A history of poor leadership, infighting and financial mismanagement under the former Labour regime was highlighted in its report.

The Standards Board for England was asked to investigate claims the Commission's findings were publicised two months ahead of its official publication.

A Labour councillor alleged that 10 cabinet members publicised the confidential findings by holding a news conference.

Leak claims

It was also claimed the report was leaked before the conference.

The Standards Board, which is responsible for promoting high ethical standards in local authorities, accepted the councillors believed they had consent.

It ruled they had failed to comply with the council code of conduct - but decided to take no action.

However, a meeting of the council's Member Panel of Officer Employment Procedure Rules voted unanimously to suspend Mr Brooks on Tuesday.

In a statement the council said: "After full consideration, the member panel determined that a further independent investigation should be carried out into the issues raised by the Standards Board report, in particular the alleged involvement of Chief Executive, Jim Brooks.

"The panel also decided that Mr Brooks should be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

"This is a precautionary suspension only.

"It would be inappropriate for the council to comment further."