Speechley was jailed for 18 months

Ian Croft started Tuesday's meeting of the executive committee by saying it had been a difficult and deeply regrettable time for the whole council.

The comments were his first since Speechley was convicted for misconduct in public office last Friday.

He was jailed for 18 months for trying to influence the route of a road.

Legal advice

Mr Croft's brief comment was followed by more from Councillor Bernard Theobold.

He said it had been a dark period and the confidence of all members and staff had been rocked.

But the leader of the Labour Group, Robert Parker, asked why Councillor Theobold had been left to say the words that everyone wanted to hear from the leader of the council.

Councillor Croft said he "dare not" because of legal advice.