The man at the centre of the row in Whitley Council over the so-called 'Houghton allegations' says he is relieved police are to take no action against him.

But Angus Kelly, the chief negotiator on the employees' side, is angry they were made in the first place.

Employers' side chairman John Houghton (pictured) complained to police over what he claimed was 'threatening, abusive and insulting' behaviour by Mr Kelly at a recent meeting of the council.

The row has already damaged the work of the industrial relations forum, with senior figures on the employees' side continuing to call for Mr Houghton to be removed as chairman.

Mr Kelly says the allegations against him were 'spurious' and the complaint 'groundless' (play attached audio file):