Further to the comments from opposition councillors on Bournemouth council concerning my colleagues and myself, it is important that the public understands that those who are the subject of investigations have been advised not to make any comment that could prejudice the official, due process.

The effect of this is that the accused are not in a position to respond as they might wish. It is also the case that councillors cannot affect the timescale of the enquiries into them.

At least in Cllr Powell’s case, the council’s standards committee swiftly dealt with the complaint against him.

And while the headlines are upsetting and unwelcome, the fact is that we do continue to work for the town and those who elected us. For example, on Monday of this week, I attended a Town Hall meeting which considered the 2009-10 statement of accounts; chaired the Imax Task and Finish Group which agreed the draft planning brief; reviewed the council’s funding situation over the next four years following last week’s budget; met Team Dorset, who are planning the implementation of the 2012 Olympics and their sporting, cultural and business legacy for the whole county, and then received an update on Boscombe Surf Reef.

Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin, leader of Bournemouth council