Anonymous investigator appointed to deal with Wills-Clark saga

An independent investigator has been appointed to conduct the inquiry into councillor Jonathan Wills’ allegation that he was threatened by Shetland Islands Council chief executive David Clark.

Council head of legal Jan Riise confirmed on Tuesday that a suitable candidate had now been accepted by councillors and the chief executive after a list of people were put forward by the local government organisation Cosla. However, he declined to name the man, who he said had asked for his identity not to be revealed.

Mr Riise told reporters he hoped the matter could be concluded by the end of October. “We’re moving on as quickly as we can,” he said.

The Shetland police have already dropped their investigation into the matter which relates to a phone call made by Mr Clark to Dr Wills earlier this month in which the chief executive is alleged to have threatened to kick the councillor’s teeth in if he did not desist from prying into his private life.

Mr Clark has denied the claim and has taken holidays while the investigation takes place. Dr Wills is also currently off on holiday.