Bayo Dosunmu, former chief executive of Labour-run Lambeth Council in the UK, was awarded nearly £90,000 after resigning from his £190,000-a-year role, despite being convicted of drink-driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Dosunmu, 46, stepped down in July 2024 following his arrest the previous month.
He was subsequently banned from driving for two years after admitting to a series of motoring offences, including driving under the influence, having no insurance, and failing to stop after a collision.
Recently disclosed council documents revealed he was given a “settlement agreement” valued at £87,879. The payout cited an “unexpected and unprecedented emergency situation” as the reason.
The move has drawn strong criticism from taxpayer groups, who condemned it as a misuse of public funds, according to The Telegraph.
The incident occurred near Wandsworth Bridge Road in Fulham on June 23, 2024. Dosunmu, driving a white Jeep, collided with a blue Toyota and attempted to flee the scene.
The Toyota driver pursued him, forcing him to stop. Police officers later found Dosunmu slurring his words and struggling to follow instructions. Tests showed he was three times over the legal alcohol limit.
In September 2024, he pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and 15 days of rehabilitation activities. His lawyer, Colin Aylott KC, told the court that Dosunmu’s dismissal had severely affected him, noting his history of public service and current living situation with a relative.
Following the scandal, local resident Sheila O’Reilly submitted a freedom of information request to the council, questioning whether Dosunmu’s actions were treated as gross misconduct.
Lambeth Council responded that the incident raised doubts about the trust and confidence placed in him as chief executive.
They also confirmed that he was suspended immediately after his arrest and resigned a month later without providing a formal reason.
Breakdown of his payout includes £46,943 for his notice period, £6,687 for unused leave, and £34,250 in pro-rata payments for duties as acting returning officer during the general election and a by-election. Dosunmu also retains access to his government-deferred pension.
O’Reilly has since launched an online petition demanding government intervention, criticizing the council for its financial management and lack of accountability.
Elliot Keck, campaigns manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, condemned the payout, calling it “an absolute disgrace” and urging Lambeth Council to justify why a convicted official received a large settlement instead of facing dismissal without compensation.
In response, a council spokesperson stated: “Bayo Dosunmu stepped down as chief executive in July 2024.
The payments he received covered his notice period, outstanding annual leave, and completed work as acting returning officer, all in accordance with his contractual terms.”
