The leader of Leicestershire County Council, Cllr David Parsons, appears to have survived a crucial meeting over his stewardship of the authority - held in the wake of allegations about his business dealings and expenses.

Cllr Parsons, one of the most senior members of the Conservative Party in local government, attended a party group meeting this afternoon following revelations – published by themj.co.uk and localgov.co.uk – about an internal investigation conducted by his authority's chief executive, John Sinnott.