Tory couple in e-mails probe

Cllr. Ian Barker — suspended

A TORY councillor and his wife have been arrested and bailed over allegations of misusing councillors’ computer e-mail accounts.

Failsworth West councillor Ian Barker and his wife Jennifer, the Tory group’s part-time researcher, were arrested, questioned and bailed.

The Chronicle understands that police were called in last week by the council’s chief executive Charlie Parker after a complaint about inappropriate e-mails which purported to be in someone else’s name.

There is a question mark over how access to councillors’ laptops is kept secure, unless the passwords are changed frequently from the default setting known by all members.

Councillor Barker declined to talk to the Chronicle, but maintains his innocence, according to Tory group leader, Councillor Jack Hulme.

Councillor Barker (pictured) has been suspended until the police investigation is concluded, he added.

But he remains a ward councillor and could still attend Wednesday’s council meeting.

His wife, who was appointed group researcher in March, a council-paid post, is still working at the civic centre.

Her appointment has caused division in the Tory group.

Chadderton Central Councillor John Hudson said in March that it sent out the wrong message to council-tax payers.

Today, Charlie Parker said: “I can confirm that there is a police investigation under way with regard to alleged data protection issues concerning the use of certain e-mail accounts.

“This resulted in a councillor and a member of council staff both being interviewed by the police.

“They were then subsequently bailed pending further investigation of this matter.

Police said two people have been arrested in connection with an investigation over alleged inappropriate use of IT systems. The 32-year-old man and 31-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act, and both bailed until October 1.