BOURNEMOUTH council’s former finance chief had serious concerns about a multi-million pound outsourcing deal but was suspended before she could investigate, it has been claimed.

An explosive email from Liz Wilkinson, who was suspended from her role as head of finance and Section 151 officer last October, accuses chief executive Tony Williams of refusing to address her “professional concerns” about the Mouchel deal.

She has now left the council and intends to challenge her treatment at an employment tribunal.

She emailed all councillors to say: “I feel bound to warn you that there remain serious matters of financial concern which must be addressed by the council in the proper interests of all council tax payers and the local electorate.”

Ms Wilkinson’s predecessor Stephen Parker was also suspended after voicing concerns before the Mouchel deal was signed.

Her email alleges the council is likely to pay between one third and one half more (£5m-£7m) to Mouchel than it would if it provided the services itself. She said she intended to review the deal in October 2014 but was stopped by the chief executive’s decision to suspend her on October 9.

Instead, she followed the council’s whistleblowing policy and wrote to selected councillors and the external auditor in November. But she was then told councillors had been told by senior officers to “keep the matter to themselves”.

Mr Williams said: “On 6 October 2014, the council received a complaint from senior officers about Liz Wilkinson’s behaviour and conduct, including allegations of bullying. This resulted in her suspension. Mrs Wilkinson subsequently chose to tender her resignation.

“We actively manage the performance of our partnership with Mouchel, and we do not believe there is any substance to Mrs Wilkinson’s allegations.

“To date, the partnership with Mouchel has delivered improved services and over £10million of savings to the council. An internal review of the contract has secured a further £1.1m savings in 15/16. Mouchel are sharing their cost bases with our Acting 151 Officer to ensure the council’s financial position is protected. Furthermore, through the contract, Mouchel have created some 150 jobs in Bournemouth, with further jobs in prospect.

“Liz Wilkinson lodged a claim against the council at the Employment Tribunal on 28 November 2014. The claim alleges she has been unfairly constructively dismissed and subjected to detriment for having made protected disclosures, or having ‘blown the whistle’.

“The Council rigorously disputes this claim and is preparing a comprehensive response for presentation at the Employment Tribunal.

“As these matters are currently being considered by an Independent Investigator, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”