A former council chief executive who was convicted of drink-driving offences has received a "golden goodbye" payment of almost £90,000 in taxpayer money.
Bayo Dosunmu "stepped down" from his £190,000-a-year role at Labour-run Lambeth council after being arrested in June 2024.
Newly released documents have revealed the substantial payout followed an agreement between Dosunmu and the council after what was described as an "unexpected and unprecedented emergency situation".
The 46-year-old received the payment despite the council's own constitution stating it "reserves the right to take action against any employee whose actions... could reasonably be regarded as bringing the council into disrepute".
Bayo Dosunmu 'stepped down' from his £190,000-a-year role at Labour-run Lambeth council after being arrested in June 2024
GOV.UK
Dosunmu was driving a white Jeep when he collided with a blue Toyota near Wandsworth Bridge Road in Fulham last June.
He attempted to drive away from the scene but was followed by the Toyota and forced to stop.
Police reported that Dosunmu was slurring his words and "struggling to follow directions" when they arrived. Tests revealed he was three times the legal drink-drive limit.
At Westminster Magistrates Court in September 2024, he admitted drink-driving, being uninsured, and failing to stop after the crash.
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He received a 12-month community order, 15 days of rehabilitation sessions, 150 hours of community service, and a two-year driving ban.
A freedom of information request revealed the breakdown of Dosunmu's £87,879 payout. He received £46,943 "in respect of his notice period" and £6,687 for "untaken annual leave".
Additionally, he was given two "pro rata payments" totalling £34,250 for his acting returning officer duties during the General Election and a by-election on July 4, 2024.
These payments covered his work up to the date of his suspension.
Police reported that Dosunmu was slurring his words and 'struggling to follow directions' when they arrived (Stock Image)
GETTYDosunmu also retained his local Government deferred pension.
Lambeth council stated: "He received payment in line with his contract and for work already completed."
The council had considered whether "trust and confidence in Dosunmu as chief executive had broken down" following his arrest.
Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "It's an absolute disgrace that a council boss on a six-figure salary was handed nearly £90,000 of taxpayers' cash after being convicted of drink-driving and fleeing the scene of a crash."
"Residents expect their hard-earned money to fund front-line services, not soft landings for disgraced officials."
He added: "Lambeth council should explain why someone who brought the council into disrepute was handed a golden goodbye instead of being shown the door without a penny."
