Inquiry demanded into Plymouth Citybus sell-off

OPPOSITION councillors are demanding a public inquiry into what they have called "breathtaking" conduct from the city's finance chief over controversial plans to sell Citybus.

Top conservative councillor Ian Bowyer has come under fire for revealing one of the consortiums bidding to buy the council-owned bus firm was no longer in the running.

He defended his comments at a full meeting of Plymouth City Council earlier this week, insisting he was simply trying to "widen the debate".

But the Cabinet member for finance and budget would not tell the opposition group how he came to know the consortium, headed by Plymouth taxi boss John Preece, was no longer being considered as a bidder.

After the meeting Labour councillor Bill Stevens vowed to "not let this matter drop" and called on Cllr Bowyer to "come clean and give a full account of his actions".

He said: "This conduct from a cabinet member is breathtaking. Serious questions remain unanswered.

"He has caused confidential information to be published that could be damaging to Citybus.

"We expect senior officers to mount a full and thorough public investigation at the highest level.

"If this cannot be done inside the council then independent auditors must be called in."

But Cllr Bowyer hit back at the comments – and at the Labour group's demands at Monday's meeting for an updated report on the valuation status, which were blocked in a vote.

"My statement at the last council meeting was clear," he said. "I have done nothing wrong.

"My priority is to work to see this city and its people through the economic recession, now the longest recession on record.

"Unfortunately the Labour group cannot overcome its obsession with process, procedure, and personality – my focus is on policy."

The council decided to invite bids for its 100 per cent share in the firm in order to test its market value.

Five potential buyers are believed to have tabled bids, with transport giants First later withdrawing.

Fellow bus operator Stagecoach has confirmed to The Herald it has submitted a final bid, and is "waiting to hear the council's decision".

Councillors will get to vote on the plans on November 30 after a preferred bidder has been chosen.