IT’S ‘BUSINESS as usual’ for Dorset County Council after leader Spencer Flower stepped down in light of criminal allegations.

As reported in the Echo, Cllr Flower faces three charges that he failed to declare an interest in property planning.

He announced yesterday he would stand aside as the legal proceedings are ongoing.

Deputy leader Robert Gould has taken over in the meantime.

Speaking this morning at Cabinet, Cllr Gould said: “Obviously there are particularly circumstances as to why I am chairing this meeting.

“I am not going to discuss those.

“One thing I do want to make absolutely clear is that we are carrying on the business as usual and we have got lots to do and we are going to be getting on with it.”

Speaking to the Echo ahead of the meeting, Cllr Toni Coombs, who is the wife of Cllr Flower said she can not make any further comment at this time as it would be ‘subjudice’.