Salford Council's internal audit team has extended an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the departure of former strategic director of customer services Martin Vickers, after he secured a well-paid job with the city's rugby league club.
The six-month probe, which has been overseen by external auditors Grant Thornton LLP, follow concerns raised by a Salford councillor last October into Mr Vickers' departure from his £134,000 a-year post.
Mr Vickers stepped down in August 2013 from his role - which was effectively as chief of staff to Salford Mayor Ian Stewart - with a £79,000 pay off, saying he wanted to develop a business opportunity with this wife.
