Hadleigh town council have now agreed to hold an investigation into a controversial employment meeting where a member admitted being prejudice against a candidate because he is ex-Army.

It has also emerged one councillor left the discussion to take delivery of an electrical appliance, so therefore did not have all the relevant details, yet still voted.

And it has been alleged the meeting was recorded, without the knowledge or consent of at least two of the candidates.

The decision to look into what happened in the employment process was taken last night at Hadleigh town council's monthly meeting when six councillors voted for an amendment for a working group to be formed.

The group would then pass on its findings and recommendations to a human resources company, which is set to be employed by Hadleigh council, so the employment policies can be updated.

Concerns were raised by a whistleblower in April last year when Hadleigh Nub News obtained a video recording of the confidential meeting and exclusively revealed the prejudicial comments made by Cllr Carol Schleip, which led to the appointment of Cheryl Tye, to the detriment of a highly-rated ex-soldier.

Cllr Schliep admitted she was against employing ex-Forces personnel as she was concerned about their reliability.

While her comments are not unlawful, they do go against the Armed Forces Covenant. Cllr Schleip is understood to have apologised to a small group of council members at a meeting held behind closed doors, but has never apologised to them publicly.

Another area of concerns was when Cllr Gavin Talbot, who works as an officer for Suffolk County Council, left the meeting to take delivery of a tumble dryer.

Despite not being present for part of the discussions Cllr Talbot voted for Ms Tye and has consistently voted against any investigations being held into the conduct of councillors and the procedure.

It was also revealed last night that staffing sub committee's Cllr Rolf Beggerow, recorded the interviews without the knowledge and consent of at least two candidates.

Cllr Beggerow is also heard to say in the selection process he felt the ex-solider was the best candidate but was concerned about what the council could do with Ms Tye, who had been standing in as the town council manager following the resignation of Andy McMillan.

Only former councillor Angela Gregg voted for the ex-soldier and she has been accused by other staffing committee member of breaching employment law, but they have refused to give details.

Calls for the council to hold an investigation into the appointment of the £42,000 a year (plus benefits) town council manager were rejected with former mayor Frank Minns using his casting vote to refuse, with Cllrs Schleip and Beggerow also voting against.

Councillor admits prejudice.