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Rotherham abuse: Council leader and cabinet to resign after damning report

Rotherham Borough Council's leader, Paul Lakin, and the authority's cabinet are to resign after a damning report into the authority found it was "not fit for purpose". Government-appointed commissioners are set to take over.

Louise Casey's report into the handling the grooming scandal in the borough - commissioned by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles - accused the council of attempts to cover-up evidence and past and present failures in leadership.

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Rotherham Council leader resigns after critical report

Paul Lakin pictured at a meeting of the council's cabinet in September. Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

Paul Lakin, leader of Rotherham Borough Council has resigned with immediate effect.

Cllr Lakin - who only took on the top role last year - will also stand down as local councillor for Rotherham's Valley Ward, the council said in a statement.

The rest of the cabinet are due to resign their positions "as soon as transitional arrangements are put in place", according to an earelier statement.

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