The inquiry follows the release of findings into an investigation by the Department of Local Government into the council, in which it found there to be 'widespread and systemic failure to observe the provisions of good local government administration and governance'.

The governor has appointed Robert Bulford as commissioner of a public inquiry under Section 740 of the Local Government Act 1993. The commissioner may make recommendations as he sees fit, including whether the councillors should be dismissed.

At this stage the coming election will not be affected as the Local Government Act does not allow the minister to postpone any elections.

However the minister is supporting changes to the legislation put forward last year to change the act in that regard.

The inquiry will have particular regard to whether the elected representatives have been and will continue to be in a position to direct and control the affairs of council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that council may fulfil the charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions. It will also investigate the conduct of elected representatives of council both individually and collectively as a governing body.