Mark Bilsborough, former chief executive of Swale Borough Council, has withdrawn his claim for unfair dismissal.

He was pursuing the claim through an industrial tribunal following allegations officers and councillors linked together to get him sacked.

Mr Bilsborough was appointed on January 1, 2006 but his last day at his desk was on December 22 of that year.

He was away from work for 16 months until April this year when he was dismissed for alleged bullying. During this time he was reputed to be on full pay of about £100,000 a year.

Cllr Andrew Bowles, leader of the council, said: “I am pleased that Mr Bilsborough has now withdrawn his claim to the Employment Tribunal.

“The council was very clear that it had acted properly throughout the process which led to Mr Bilsborough’s dismissal, and now that his appeal has been withdrawn it is time for the council to move on.

Mr Bilsborough lodged his claim for unfair dismissal on July 28 and withdrew it on Friday. The council’s legal fees total just under £5,600.

The council says it has agreed with Mr Bilsborough not to say anything further in the matter.