THE opposition Plaid Cymru group in Caerphilly says it may be necessary to bring in an interim chief executive in the wake of the suspension of the authority’s top two officers.

Councillor Colin Mann, leader of the group, said the ruling Labour administration needed to take decisive action at the special meeting of the authority on Thursday.

The authority’s chief executive, Anthony O’Sullivan, and deputy chief executive, Nigel Barnett, have both been suspended amid the scandal of top officers’ pay rises. Both are currently on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of fraud and misconduct in public office.

Cllr Mann said he had the “greatest respect” for acting deputy chief executive Sandra Aspinall, who stepped in following Mr Barnett’s suspension last week. But he said Labour should consider installing an interim chief executive until police finish their investigations.

He said: “This is not a reflection on Sandra in any way but she is already director of education and is also acting director of the environment in addition to the chief executive role. Other directors are also in acting roles.

“I’m concerned at the workload of the top management and it may well be necessary to bring in some assistance. The Labour leadership needs to act decisively.

It is very important that the recent suspensions do not result in a poorer service being delivered to the public – a key duty of the council.”

Mr Barnett replaced Anthony O’Sullivan as acting chief executive in March after he was suspended after he put forward and agreed plans with others to see 20 per cent pay rises awarded to top officers.

The decision, which would have seen Mr O’Sullivan receive a £26,000 wage increase, was later found to be unlawful by the Wales Audit Office.

Avon and Somerset Police are investigating.

No-one from Caerphilly council’s Labour group was available for comment as the Argus went to press.