HOUSING chief Carol Broad refused to appear before the council's standards committee this week claiming it was a "kangaroo court."

The leading MBI councillor, who faced fierce criticism after receiving more than £8,000 in child care allowances, says she has already admitted the mistake, paid the money back and now wants to get on with her council job. But her opponents have attacked her for not appearing before the committee to explain her actions.

Cllr Broad told The Citizen: "I've received nothing in writing telling me what I'm supposed to have done or what the case against me is. I've apologised and explained myself to the full council. I've paid back the overpayment. I'm very happy to appear before a panel which is independent and fair but I believe this is just a politically motivated kangaroo court. I sought legal advice and I was told it was best to postpone appearing this week."

A council spokesman said: "Cllr Broad has informed the chief executive that she has been advised by her legal representative not to attend the meeting.

"It has therefore been postponed, as it would have been inappropriate to have held it without Cllr Broad being present or without having received her written comments on the matter."