A secret investigation has been launched into Worthing Borough Council chief executive Sheryl Grady.

Councillors from both parties have officially refused to comment on the inquiry, set in motion at an extraordinary meeting of the full council last week.

But one councillor, who asked not to be named, told The Argus the investigation was "vindictive, a storm in a tea cup, high-handedness and totally over the top."

The councillor said: "I have never known them to be this draconian with their secrecy."

The Argus understands several other senior officers are also being questioned as part of the investigation.

Members of the Press and public were banned from last week's town hall meeting and Miss Grady was referring calls on the matter to the council's legal department.

Following the meeting, a cross-party special personnel committee was set up and will meet for the first time on Tuesday at 4.30pm.

Frank Minal, regional organiser for the GMB union, said: "I do understand an investigation is taking place.

"I cannot make any comment at this point given that the investigation is of a very sensitive nature and regarding very high level members of staff.

"We have got some people who work within the authority. I am representing people within the council. Because of the sensitivity it is critically important the investigation runs its course. If things are proven, it will come out in the public domain."

Bill Johnson, the council's assistant director of legal services, said: "It is a confidential matter and I cannot comment."

Coun Keith Mercer, the borough's new Tory leader, said: "It is a very sensitive matter. It is not a political matter. We are all sworn to secrecy."

The special personnel committee consists of Liberal Democrat councillors Donald Lissenburg and John Lovell, and Tory councillors John Livermore and Peter Welch.

None were available for comment today.

Miss Grady has been in her post since 2000 when she succeeded former chief executive Michael Ball, who took early retirement after a period of compassionate leave.

Prior to that she was the head of legal services and assistant chief executive for seven years.

She joined the council from Brighton Borough Council, where she worked as the assistant borough secretary.