CORNWALL COUNCIL leader Alec Robertson has been accused of backpedalling over a review of senior staff's pay and conditions.

The accusation comes after County Hall issued a statement by the leader in which he played down talk of changes to directors' packages.

The move was last night dismissed by one senior Conservative, who said: "This statement from the county council has more to do with soothing egos than changing the position.

"Kevin Lavery felt chastened by the media coverage and Alec Robertson wants to make sure due credit is given where senior officers voluntarily take a pay cut."

In his original statement to the paper last week, Mr Robertson said all staff's pay and conditions were being looked at and added it started "at the top and the chief executive's pay and conditions obviously form part of that review".

Clarifying the issue in a telephone conversation, he said: "I am in discussions with Mr Lavery. We are not looking purely at pay, we have to take all things into account such as mileage allowance, pensions, severance."

Asked if the cut could be as much as 10 per cent, he added: "I wouldn't rule that out looking at the entire package."

And questioned on other senior staff he said: "All of these things are under review and it does start from the top.

"So yes, Mr Lavery and I are having discussions at the moment but all staff pay terms and conditions are under review."

But as the story was followed up by other local media the tone changed.

By Friday a statement issued by the county press office on his behalf said: "While the council is looking at the pay and conditions of staff as part of its savings strategy, it is certainly not the case that pay cuts are being imposed on senior staff.

"The suggestion of a possible reduction in pay and conditions for the chief executive actually came from Kevin Lavery himself ... Any reduction in pay or pension arrangements would be his decision alone and not made by the leader and cabinet.

"We will be discussing a range of options with him and other senior members of staff."

However, only six weeks previously, Mr Robertson had publicly dismissed the idea of the highest paid council officers taking a pay cut.

George Eustice, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, said it was time for councillors to take back control of county hall.

He said: "The Government is determined to restore accountability at all levels and will introduce new laws giving councillors the power to veto senior pay packages in future.

"One factor driving the culture of high pay in local government has been an over-reliance on head hunter agencies. We need to get the head hunters out of the equation and put councillors back in charge."

Conservative colleague Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, added: "I hope changes to the terms and conditions of staff are arrived at by consent. I am pleased that Kevin Lavery has voluntarily agreed to a reduction in his pay. This is a reflection of the times we live in.

"It has always been the case that the council is led by councillors. They are elected to deliver value for money and effective public services. When the council meets to consider the emergency budget in November, all members should be able to consider changes to not only salaries but other benefits of employment of senior managers."