A COUNCIL leader could be investigated by a local government watchdog after a complaint was made about him.

Councillor John Williams, the leader of Darlington Borough Council, has been criticised for taking part in a debate about controversial plans to build a Tesco supermarket and flats in the town centre.

He has been accused of breaking national guidelines by issuing a press release calling for councillors to reject the plan.

If he is found to have breached the rules, Coun Williams could face a period of suspension.

Darlington resident Kevin Boddy submitted the complaint to the Standards Board of England and Wales, accusing Coun Williams of predetermining the issue, which is forbidden under rules governing councillors' conduct.

Mr Boddy, 55, a retired policeman who also worked for the council as an enforcement officer, said: "I've done this chiefly so the people of Darlington can find out what's right and what's wrong.

"I want to see if he is in breach of the code of conduct as he seems to have made his mind up before the meeting."

Conservative councillor Jim Ruck had also criticised the proposal before the meeting. However, after taking advice from the borough solicitor, he decided to leave the council chamber while the Tesco plan was being discussed by members.

Last night, he said: "I feel if the rules applied to me, then they should have done to him (Coun Williams).

"There was no doubt in my mind that I must make a decision. I did it for my own reasons and I would do it 100 times again."

A spokeswoman for the Standards Board said it would not comment until a decision had been made on whether or not it would investigate.

Mr Boddy received confirmation of his complaint from the board earlier this week and a decision is normally made within ten days.

If the watchdog does take action, Coun Williams could be referred for investigation to the local authority itself or the Independent Adjudication Panel for England.

Penalties include being made to apologise and the maximum tariff of five years' disqualification.

Last night, Coun Williams said: "It would be entirely inappropriate to comment until the Standards Board has concluded its deliberations."