Bradford won’t take leave

By Kelly Yates
CASEY councillor Kevin Bradford has defied a council request to take a leave of absence, attending Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford made reference to Cr Bradford being present at the start of the council meeting. Cr Bradford had been asked to take a leave of absence, following a recent Ombudsman’s investigation which found the Mayfield Ward councillor improperly disclosed confidential council tender information to a media outlet.
Cr Bradford said he had not received any contact from the council.
Council wanted him to take a leave of absence pending the consideration of the matter by a councillor conduct panel, VCAT, the Secretary of the Department, the Minister for Local Government or any court.
Casey CEO Mike Tyler said a letter was sent to Cr Bradford’s postal box address in Cranbourne, by the Acting CEO after the special council meeting on 23 March.
Mr Tyler also attempted to give Cr Bradford a copy of the letter on Tuesday night, but he said Cr Bradford “refused to take it.”