Telford council finance boss and football club MD: 'There is no conflict of interest'
New Telford & Wrekin finance boss Lee Carter has insisted there is no "conflict of interest" between his senior roles on the borough council and at AFC Telford United.
Councillor Carter was one of the founders of the phoenix club after the demise of the old Telford United. He also served as chairman between 2004 and 2013.
He is currently managing director at the club's Bucks Head ground.
But he has also been pursuing a career in politics and, after initially winning a seat on Wellington Town Council, last month was elected onto Telford & Wrekin Council in the College ward. Council leader Kuldip Sahota quickly promoted Carter into his new-look cabinet, giving him the vacant mandate for finance which had opened up following Bill McClements' surprise loss in Arleston at the local counts.
The council and the football club have resolved to work more closely together, with plans to expand the club's Learning Centre. But Councillor Carter said there would be no problems in taking on both roles, and said he would be open to people scrutinising him as he had nothing to hide.
"There is no conflict of interest at all," Councillor Carter said.
"I am open to as much scrutiny as people want to put me under, and I welcome that.
"There is no conflict. Both organisations have robust policies in place to stop that from happening.
"I would also like to point out that I have never actually been in charge of the finances at AFC Telford United."
