Cr Les Larke By Catherine Watson
THE Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) announced late yesterday it would take no further action against a Bass Coast councillor accused of trying to bribe four councillors to elect him mayor.
Cr Les Larke, who is seeking re-election in this month’s election, thanked his supporters for “their unwavering resolve to see justice prevail” and said he bore no ill will towards his fellow councillors and council officers.
Four councillors gave evidence to the Local Government Inspectorate that on October 31 2018, at an informal meeting of councillors, Cr Larke offered them $1 million per ward, later rising to a total of $5 million, to elect him mayor of Bass Coast.
THE Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) announced late yesterday it would take no further action against a Bass Coast councillor accused of trying to bribe four councillors to elect him mayor.
Cr Les Larke, who is seeking re-election in this month’s election, thanked his supporters for “their unwavering resolve to see justice prevail” and said he bore no ill will towards his fellow councillors and council officers.
Four councillors gave evidence to the Local Government Inspectorate that on October 31 2018, at an informal meeting of councillors, Cr Larke offered them $1 million per ward, later rising to a total of $5 million, to elect him mayor of Bass Coast.
Acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch stated, “The Local Government Inspectorate has concluded its investigation related to Bass Coast councillor Les Larke.
"A complainant alleged that Cr Larke attempted to bribe fellow councillors in order to secure nomination as mayor for Bass Coast Shire Council in breach of section 76D of the Local Government Act 1989. This occurred at the councillor only meeting held on 31 October 2018.
"The complaint alleges that Cr Larke offered each ward $5 million in exchange for the vote as mayor.
"The investigation did not find evidence that Cr Larke had misused his position in breach of section 76D(2) of the Act.
"The Inspectorate will take no further action in this matter."
The original complaint was made to the Inspectorate immediately after the incident, dismissed, and re-opened in recent months due to a complaint from a member of the public.
Cr Larke issued a statement after the finding was announced.
“I have consistently maintained my innocence of any allegation of wrongdoing while suffering from a serious injustice through the anonymous leak of confidential information and an associated smear campaign in the print and social media.
“Fortunately, this has been remedied with the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate’s decision dated 9 October 2020 (received 5pm 13 October 2020) to set aside any allegation.
“I hold no ill will toward my fellow councillors or council officers, and whilst, in my opinion, they seriously misjudged the situation, there is certainly hurt and bitterness enough. The point was whether I had committed any wrongdoing, and I did not.
“A special thanks for all the messages and telephone calls of support. I also want to thank in particular my family for their love and care, notwithstanding the immense anguish they had to go through; those who spoke up for me and suffered as a result; and all my friends, acquaintances and business colleagues who helped me throughout this ordeal.
“Also my deepest thanks and gratitude to all of my supporters and their unwavering resolve to see justice prevail, and to throw light on a manufactured allegation to reveal the truth.
“Finally, and more importantly, I am aware of the current health crisis and its toll on individuals, families and businesses, and I wish everyone a successful recovery, good health and wellbeing in 2020/2021 and beyond.”
"A complainant alleged that Cr Larke attempted to bribe fellow councillors in order to secure nomination as mayor for Bass Coast Shire Council in breach of section 76D of the Local Government Act 1989. This occurred at the councillor only meeting held on 31 October 2018.
"The complaint alleges that Cr Larke offered each ward $5 million in exchange for the vote as mayor.
"The investigation did not find evidence that Cr Larke had misused his position in breach of section 76D(2) of the Act.
"The Inspectorate will take no further action in this matter."
The original complaint was made to the Inspectorate immediately after the incident, dismissed, and re-opened in recent months due to a complaint from a member of the public.
Cr Larke issued a statement after the finding was announced.
“I have consistently maintained my innocence of any allegation of wrongdoing while suffering from a serious injustice through the anonymous leak of confidential information and an associated smear campaign in the print and social media.
“Fortunately, this has been remedied with the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate’s decision dated 9 October 2020 (received 5pm 13 October 2020) to set aside any allegation.
“I hold no ill will toward my fellow councillors or council officers, and whilst, in my opinion, they seriously misjudged the situation, there is certainly hurt and bitterness enough. The point was whether I had committed any wrongdoing, and I did not.
“A special thanks for all the messages and telephone calls of support. I also want to thank in particular my family for their love and care, notwithstanding the immense anguish they had to go through; those who spoke up for me and suffered as a result; and all my friends, acquaintances and business colleagues who helped me throughout this ordeal.
“Also my deepest thanks and gratitude to all of my supporters and their unwavering resolve to see justice prevail, and to throw light on a manufactured allegation to reveal the truth.
“Finally, and more importantly, I am aware of the current health crisis and its toll on individuals, families and businesses, and I wish everyone a successful recovery, good health and wellbeing in 2020/2021 and beyond.”