A RACE equality group last night told its chairman he broke the rules when he applied for and was offered a £22,000-a-year job in the organisation.

Coun Mohammed Khan, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council's housing committee, has been told that he will not be able to take up the position of racial harassment supervisor, because a dual role, one paid one not paid, would break Commission for Racial Equality rules.

He also breached CRE rules by applying for the job even though he is already a borough councillor in the area, as well as a top ranking official at the REC.

And two of Coun Khan's Labour colleagues, who interviewed him and offered him the post, have been told they should have withdrawn from the selection process because of their close links with the housing chairman.

Coun Dave Hollings, who is Coun Khan's deputy on the housing committee, and Pat Maudsley, a woman's officer and former councillor, have been told by REC acting chairman Roy Martin that they also broke selection rules.

The selection committee which appointed Coun Khan also included Conservative Coun Edna Arnold.

Mr Martin said the Labour councillors and party members involved would be offered the chance to offer their side of the story before any sanction is applied.

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