A TOP Bournemouth council boss whose position was described as “untenable” by the authority’s leader has left her job.

The council says Joy Postings, head of law and governance, officially left last Friday after a period on long-term leave.

Cllr John Beesley, now leader of the council, called the officer’s position “untenable” last year after he successfully challenged her evidence to a national tribunal that was considering a complaint against him.

But one senior councillor said she “did not deserve” her treatment by the authority.

Bournemouth council announced in Mrs Postings’ departure in a statement which said she had “decided to leave with effect from June 30” and listed her previous responsibilities at the council. It added: “All and any matters regarding Mrs Postings’ time with the council are considered closed.”

It said no further comment would be made by either party.

The statement quoted chief executive Tony Williams as saying: “We wish Joy well in her future career and thank her for her contribution during her seven years here.”

Mrs Postings had come under fire for her handling of complaints against two senior council figures.

In 2009, she and then chief executive Pam Donnellan decided to deal confidentially with the discovery that porn had been viewed on a council laptop used by the council’s then leader, Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin. The issue only became public when leaked to the Daily Echo the following year.

But when allegations were made that Cllr Beesley, then deputy leader, had not properly declared an interest in planning applications involving a friend, planning consultant Tony Ramsden, Mrs Postings decided to refer the issue to the standards committee.

The complaint eventually led to a national tribunal which cleared him after a hearing lasting for just one morning. The investigation cost the council at least £20,000 and Cllr Beesley said he spent a similar amount defending himself.

Cllr Beesley, inset below – who produced a crucial email to the tribunal which contradicted Mrs Postings’ version of events – said at the time: “It’s a very serious matter that she excluded those emails from the bundle... As my barrister said on the day, her position was then and is now untenable.”

But veteran Independent councillor Ron Whittaker, inset far left, said he was “saddened” at Mrs Postings’ departure.

“She did not deserve to be treated like this. She was a very sincere and dedicated officer,” he said. “I had quite a few dealings with Joy over a number internal matters where I needed sound advice.

“I always found her extremely professional in all she did. I valued her advice very much. I and others will miss her. Personally, I think she is better off away from local government nowadays.”