Rumours about Walsall Council’s six-figured salary chief executive remain unanswered as councillors were left in the dark last night.
Whispers began last week after council documents were published without the usual signature from the authority’s top officer Emma Bennett.
Meeting documents also included a secret item scheduled to discuss, behind closed doors, ‘governance and leadership arrangements’.
Councillors were then told the private item was to be withdrawn following legal advice.
Upon questioning from Councillor Robin Perry, the authority’s monitoring officer, Edwina Adefehinti, said Ms Bennett ‘felt unable’ to sign the summons because ‘she was conflicted by an item on the agenda’.
The top boss, whose salary in March 2026 was between £210,000 and £215,000, was absent from last night’s meeting.
Conservative group leader Councillor Adrian Andrew said members deserved an explanation as to why the item was being withdrawn.
Councillor Tim Wilson added: “Who has withdrawn it? Was it an officer recommendation or the leader? And secondly, why do we know nothing about it?”
Councillor Elaine Williams, said that she withdrew the item following legal advice and she would give ‘no further comment’ on the matter.
By Rachel Alexander | Local Democracy Reporting Service
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