THE corruption scandal involving Oldbury councillor Mahboob Hussain's conduct within Sandwell Council has taken another twist today (Friday).

The chief executive of Sandwell Council Jan Britton has revealed Cllr Hussain has lodged legal challenges in the High Court which will delay his appearance in front of the standards committee.

Last month Cllr Hussain lost his bid to stop the publication of the Gowling Report which revealed land sales to his friends and family, quashed parking tickets and a culture of bullying.

Judge Ross Cranston, the former MP for Dudley North, described several of Cllr Hussain's arguments in the High Court as "hopeless" before ruling the reports should be published in the public interest.

The report, and the QC James Goudie's advice about the report's findings, both recommended Cllr Hussain be hauled in front of the standards committee to answer charges of breaking the members' code on several occasions.

Jan Britton, chief executive of Sandwell Council said: “When we published two reports (Gowling WLG, formerly Wragge & Co, and James Goudie QC) into serious allegations around land sales and other matters, Sandwell Council made a continued commitment to openness and transparency.

“A pledge was also made to deal with the allegations properly, professionally and promptly as we set out the next stages of the process which involved a referral to the council’s standards committee which considers the conduct of elected members and allegations of misconduct, a referral to the audit committee to consider financial and procedural aspects of the reports, consideration of whether any disciplinary or other action is required in respect of employees."

He added: “I have this week referred matters of potential misconduct by an elected councillor to the council’s monitoring officer to be dealt with under council arrangements for such issues.

This may result in a standards investigation and a hearing before the standards committee.

“However, a legal challenge has been launched which may delay some steps of the process.

“Cllr Hussain has appealed to the High Court on several legal points.

"He has appealed against the refusal to grant an injunction to prevent publication of the reports. He has appealed against Judge Cranston’s previous declaration two weeks ago that the publication of the reports was lawful.

"He has also appealed against the judge refusing permission for him to seek a judicial review."

He added: “It remains the absolute intention of the council to deal with these matters in an appropriate and timely manner. However, subject to a further court ruling, some matters may be delayed, particularly those being dealt with by the standards committee.”