Standards for England have produced a draft report which clears Councillor Frank Keegan of allegations made against him by Cheshire East Council.

The former finance chief and Alderley Edge councillor, who was removed from the Cabinet by leader Coun Wesley Fitzgerald last year, was accused of breaching the councillors' code of conduct.

The report, which is confidential, is now under consultation with the parties involved before a final report is published later this month.

Coun Keegan said: "I am grateful for the legal officer of Cheshire East and to Standards for England for moving this complaint forward quickly."

A Standards for England spokesman said they could make no comment at this stage.

A CEC spokesman said: "We are aware of the draft report. Until the final report is produced we are unable to comment."

See the Express on Wednesday for an exclusive interview with Councillor Frank Keegan.