Mr Speechley was given unconditional bail

He entered the plea at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday morning.

Mr Speechley, who is 66, is accused of seeking to influence the route of a road improvement scheme in Crowland, with a view to gaining a personal advantage.

The offences are said to have been committed between January 2000 and December 2001.

Long-serving

The case was adjourned while a judge decides where Mr Speechley's trial will be held.

Judge Michael Heath ruled that Mr Speechley's trial should not be held in Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester or Northampton Crown Courts because of previous publicity surrounding the case.

Mr Speechley is the council's longest-serving member, having represented the Crowland area since the authority was established in 1974.

He was awarded a CBE in 1993 and was leader of the controlling Conservative group for five years until late last year.