Sacked council finance chief Coun Frank Keegan has talked about the stress he has been under after being accused of misconduct.

He spoke after being cleared by a national watchdog of misconduct allegations made against him by Cheshire East Council.

The complaints made to Standards for England by chief executive Erica Wenzel centred on his scheme for affordable housing and council land.

But after a four-month investigation, a draft report shows there has been no breach of the code of conduct.

Coun Keegan, pictured, was removed from the CEC cabinet in November because of his ‘conduct’ and his portfolio taken over by council leader Wesley Fitzgerald, who said his sacking and the inquiry were not linked.

The confidential report is now being considered before full publication later this month.

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

"Despite the fact that I knew it was a baseless complaint, it nonetheless is a very stressful time and I have come through it understanding better just how the dead hand of bureaucracy can affect every citizen.

"I have been very heartened by the great support I have had from local people, and from my wife and family.

"I owe a debt of gratitude to Coun Howard Murray from Poynton who has been a friend and wise counsel in the last few months.

"I am not about to waste negative energy in investigating why this has happened, I need to focus on the task of reminding the electorate that I am worth re-electing. There will be a time for inquests later."

A Standards for England spokesman said they could not 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."