A COUNCIL worker claims two councillors and the current mayor bullied her and tried to force her out of her job.

Claire Lacey, Peacehaven council’s town manager, said councillors Brian Gosling, Jean Farmiloe and current mayor Jackie Harrison- Hicks conspired to force her from her role.

She also made a series of misconduct allegations against three named councillors, two of whom resigned during an investigation into the claims.

The third councillor, Jackie Harrison-Hicks, is currently the town’s mayor.

Ms Lacey made a formal complaint and Lewes District Council hired private investigators CH&I to look into the case.

A report from their investigation states the majority of allegations were supported by evidence and “to varying degrees, represent likely breaches of the code of conduct”.

And it said the councillors “appeared to have been involved in a concerted attempt to undermine and potentially force the removal of Claire Lacey from her position as town manager”.

The report states the allegations made.

Ms Lacey alleges Cllr Brian Gosling:

Failed to treat her with respect and bullied her during an altercation in her office.

Discussed confidential Town Council business outside of Council meetings as part of a conspiracy to force the Town Manager from her job.

While he was mayor he contacted both internal and external auditors about the Town Council’s annual return without the necessary authority from the Town Council.

Ms Lacey alleges Cllr Jean Farmiloe:

Brought the Council into disrepute by calling another councillor a name, which was redacted from the report, in front of members of the public during a Remembrance Day parade.

Caused a breakdown in the working relationship between certain councillors and officers while Mayor of the Town Council between May 2016 and April 2017. Cllr Farmiloe told investigators her resignation had nothing to do with the complaint but she resigned due her husband’s ill health.

Ms Lacey alleges Cllr Jackie Harrison-Hicks, the current mayor:

Upset and bullied other members of the council.

Sent the Town Manager inappropriate emails

Contacted a leaseholder claiming to act on behalf of the Town Council without the necessary authority from the Town Council and then falsified information in relation to that lease with regards to a broken immersion heater, possible change of tenant and charges incurred by the leaseholder.

Ms Lacey also claims that a Responsible Financial Officer quit when Cllr J Farmiloe was rude to her after advising her weekly Bingo was an illegal fundraising activity.

She then claims Cllr J Farmiloe started putting the Bingo into her own bank account - though there was no suggestion that the money was used for anything other than contributing to the Mayor’s causes.

The chi&i associates report into allegations from a Town Manager has concluded Peacehaven Town Council has “wide-ranging” problems that require action amid “evidence of longstanding personal conflict and poor working relations between certain elected mayors and town council officers”.

Councillor J Farmiloe denied making some of the comments alleged. She said Ms Lacey was a bully with a venomous nature who had often reduced her to tears.

Mr Gosling and Ms Harrison-Hicks have also disputed Ms Lacey’s accusations.

The report has recommended a review of the council’s complaint procedure, training for councillors and officers and guidance on dealing with disagreements.

A decision on the recommendations will be made at a November 19 meeting at Lewes District Council.