POWERFUL Oldbury Councillor Mahboob Hussain has stood down as chairman of the Sandwell Council’s asset management and land disposal committee.

An investigation has been launched into allegations into Cllr Hussain, members of his family and inappropriate action in relation to various land sales.

Cllr Hussain will continue to serve as a deputy leader, cabinet member for town and neighbourhood services and a ward councillor for Oldbury.

Sandwell Council’s chief executive Jan Britton said: “Councillor Hussain has stood down as chair of the asset management and land disposal committee while certain allegations that have been made are investigated by the council’s audit service.”

His resignation has been described as "a neutral act which does not imply any wrongdoing."

Sandwell Council’s chief executive Jan Britton said: “Councillor Hussain has stood down as chair of the asset management and land disposal committee while certain allegations that have been made are investigated by the council’s audit service.”

In a personal statement, Cllr Hussain said he had stood down from chairing the committee to protect himself and his family from repeated, unwarranted attacks on social media.

He added he fully expects the audit service’s investigation to clearly show he has followed all the proper rules and procedures The latest blow for Cllr Hussain comes just weeks after he had to apologise for failing to declare a business interest in a taxi firm which won contracts from Sandwell Council.