West Midlands Combined Authority accused of 'total whitewash' over Andy Street report

The mayor had been accused of "blatant cheating" after a tweet sent in his name encouraged people to support the merger with Bob Grinsall, a councillor in Solihull, replying to the tweet saying he had already voted three times in the consultation using different email addresses.

However a report released on Friday found Mr Street's press officer had sent the tweet without the mayor's prior knowledge or approval. It went on to say the mayor did not have a case to answer and had not committed any wrongdoing.

Kieran Casey, a councillor in Dudley, has accused the WMCA, which got Anthony Collins Solicitors to carry out the independent review, of a whitewash and using public funds for political campaigning.

He said: "This report is a total whitewash. Either the mayor knew what was going on in his name and he is failing to tell the truth, or he hasn't got control of his own office. Either way this reflects terribly on Andy Street.

"It is clear that the public can have no confidence in the consultation by the WMCA and it should be repeated or halted.

"I am also concerned at the admission that publicly funded WMCA staff and resources have been used for party political campaigning. This is a scandal and requires a proper investigation, rather than trying to sweep it under the carpet."

After the report was released, the WMCA said it considered the matter closed and would be taking no further action.

Deborah Cadman OBE, the chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: "The findings of the report are clear that there is no case in relation to the Disclosable Pecuniary Interests Regulations, or in relation to other interests of the Mayor nor has the Mayor committed any breach the WMCA Code of Conduct."

Asked about councillor Casey's comments, the WMCA declined to comment past Ms Cadman's statement.