BASILDON Council leader Tony Ball has said the authority will co-operate with a fraud squad probe into the past of Mayor Mo Larkin’s former consort.

Mr Ball spoke after Essex Police passed the case to the fraud department of the serious crime directorate under Chief Supt Luke Collison.

The force was asked by Basildon Labour Group to investigate if any offences of misconduct in public were committed by John Handley, or the mayor.

Councillors are now being interviewed by detectives.

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating allegations reported to us to ascertain if any criminal offences have been committed.”

Mr Ball said: “I am extremely disappointed at these allegations, but confirm that, if approached by police, the council will cooperate fully.

“It is my view, the mayor has only ever sought to serve the community of Basildon and to promote our borough.”

Mrs Larkin declined to comment, but, in an e-mail sent to a resident who had called for her resignation, she said her only crime was “falling in love”.