A COUNCILLOR claims he and fellow members are being kept in the dark about the continuing absence of their top officer.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's interim chief executive, Chris Harman, has been away on leave since his permanent successor, John van de Laarschot, was appointed last week.

The council has not said when he is expected to return to work.

Potteries Alliance leader councillor Peter Kent-Baguley is now calling for an executive statement to let councillors know what is happening.

He said: "I am outraged that members are being kept in the dark over the status of the current interim chief executive.

"It is quite unacceptable that councillors and the public have no idea what is precisely the current situation."

The city council has so far declined to comment other than to say that Mr Harman remains the authority's interim chief executive, but is away on leave.