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Suffolk County Council's controversial and highly-paid chief executive has left her post after being cleared in an investigation of allegations of bullying, harassment and expense fiddling.

Andrea Hill, whose salary of nearly £220,000 a year caused continuing controversy and carping from the council's critics, is being paid a year's salary in compensation, including her statutory notice.

A spokesman for the council said today: “The dismissals and appeals committee of Suffolk County Council has today concluded its investigation into the ‘whistleblowing’ allegations made against chief executive, Andrea Hill.

“Bullying and harassment allegations were robustly investigated by an independent firm of solicitors.

"Although it remains a concern that such a perception existed, the committee is satisfied that there was no evidence to support those claims or that she was responsible for the death of David White (former head of legal services).

"The committee wants to re-assure staff that all allegations are treated extremely seriously.

“The committee also received a report into Mrs Hill’s expense claims during her tenure as chief executive.

"It has concluded that, while there were undoubtedly claims which, in the current climate, might not represent best use of public money, the committee accepted that there was no dishonesty in the claims made.

“Following a lengthy discussion last Friday, and negotiations between representatives of both parties over the weekend, the county council can now confirm that Mrs Hill will be leaving her post with immediate effect.

“There has been significant media attention attached to Mrs Hill which has become a distraction and both parties accept that with new political leadership of Suffolk County Council in place, it is better to allow the organisation to move forward with new managerial leadership.

“The county council would like to thank Mrs Hill for all she has done over the past three years and wish her well for her future.

“The total value of compensation to be paid to Mrs Hill is £218,592. This figure includes her contractual notice period.”