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Mayor held in corruption inquiry


Stoke-on-Trent's elected mayor has been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption.

Labour's Mark Meredith was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office.
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It follows the arrest on 27 February of another Stoke-on-Trent city councillor, Roger Ibbs.

Mr Ibbs had been group leader of the Conservative and Independent Alliance but stood down on Monday.

Mr Ibbs, who had also been the council's portfolio holder for education, was arrested on suspicion of corruption in public office.

He said his arrest followed a complaint he made to the council.

Staffordshire Police said the force's major investigations department was conducting a "thorough, objective and detailed" inquiry.

Officers said there had been a need to ask a second man to help them with their inquiries.

They confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested earlier and was still being questioned.

Mark Meredith has been in the post of elected mayor since May 2005.

A West Midlands Labour Party spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation; however, we always expect all Labour Party representatives and members to co-operate fully with the police."



THE BBC