Taxpayers Fury as Drink-Drive Council Boss Walks Away with £90k Windfall

A storm of outrage is brewing over a hefty "golden goodbye" payout of nearly £90,000 awarded to the former chief executive of Lambeth Council, Bayo Dosunmu, who "stepped down" from his £190,000-a-year position after being convicted of drink-driving and failing to stop after a car crash.

Documents unearthed reveal that despite admitting to serious motoring offences that resulted in a two-year driving ban, Dosunmu, 46, received a substantial sum of £87,879 in taxpayers' money. This payout was agreed upon through a "settlement agreement" between Dosunmu and the Labour-run council following what was described as an "unexpected and unprecedented emergency situation."

The revelation has ignited fierce criticism, with many branding the payment a scandalous misuse of public funds, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding Dosunmu's departure. Critics argue that his criminal actions have undeniably "brought the council into disrepute," a direct violation of the council's own constitution, which explicitly reserves the right to take action against employees for such behaviour, both inside and outside of work.

This incident further fuels concerns about governance within Lambeth Council. A growing petition is calling for government intervention, alleging that the authority is becoming "increasingly authoritarian" and operating as a "virtual one-party state" lacking effective opposition while grappling with escalating debts. The generous payout to a disgraced former chief executive is seen by many as another stark example of a council seemingly unaccountable to the very taxpayers it serves.

During his court hearing, Dosunmu's lawyer, Colin Aylott KC, highlighted his client's "history of public service" and the "pride" he felt upon securing the top job at Lambeth. Aylott noted the significant personal toll the loss of his job has taken on Dosunmu, who is now reportedly living with a relative. However, this plea for mitigation appears to have done little to quell the anger of local residents and ratepayers who are struggling with their own financial pressures.

The decision to award such a significant sum to an individual who has admitted to serious criminal offences while in a position of considerable public trust raises serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer money within Lambeth Council. This case is likely to intensify scrutiny on the council's decision-making processes and further embolden calls for greater oversight and reform.

Lambeth, London - A storm of outrage is brewing over a hefty "golden goodbye" payout of nearly £90,000 awarded to the former chief executive of Lambeth Council, Bayo Dosunmu, who "stepped down" from his £190,000-a-year position after being convicted of drink-driving and failing to stop after a car crash.

Documents unearthed reveal that despite admitting to serious motoring offences that resulted in a two-year driving ban, Dosunmu, 46, received a substantial sum of £87,879 in taxpayers' money. This payout was agreed upon through a "settlement agreement" between Dosunmu and the Labour-run council following what was described as an "unexpected and unprecedented emergency situation."

The revelation has ignited fierce criticism, with many branding the payment a scandalous misuse of public funds, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding Dosunmu's departure. Critics argue that his criminal actions have undeniably "brought the council into disrepute," a direct violation of the council's own constitution, which explicitly reserves the right to take action against employees for such behaviour, both inside and outside of work.

This incident further fuels concerns about governance within Lambeth Council. A growing petition is calling for government intervention, alleging that the authority is becoming "increasingly authoritarian" and operating as a "virtual one-party state" lacking effective opposition while grappling with escalating debts. The generous payout to a disgraced former chief executive is seen by many as another stark example of a council seemingly unaccountable to the very taxpayers it serves.

During his court hearing, Dosunmu's lawyer, Colin Aylott KC, highlighted his client's "history of public service" and the "pride" he felt upon securing the top job at Lambeth. Aylott noted the significant personal toll the loss of his job has taken on Dosunmu, who is now reportedly living with a relative. However, this plea for mitigation appears to have done little to quell the anger of local residents and ratepayers who are struggling with their own financial pressures.

The decision to award such a significant sum to an individual who has admitted to serious criminal offences while in a position of considerable public trust raises serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer money within Lambeth Council. This case is likely to intensify scrutiny on the council's decision-making processes and further embolden calls for greater oversight and reform.