THE leader of Cheshire East Council (CEC) has been questioned over the issues involving the police that are 'swirling around' the Tory-run authority.

Last week, police confirmed they are looking into a historic land transaction in Crewe involving the council.

The force had already been looking into six matters referred to it by CEC.

During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of the Labour group, questioned leader Cllr Rachel Bailey on the issue.

He said: "With the announcement last week of another land transaction being referred to the police, could the leader give a very brief update on each of the six, or is it seven, or is it five, issues involving the police that are swirling around Conservative-controlled CEC?"

Cllr Bailey handed the matter over to Kath O'Dwyer, acting chief executive, who is the authority's single point of contact with the police.

She said: "All matters are currently live investigations, some of which are at preliminary stage and some of which have progressed, but I'm not at liberty to go into any more detail."