It has been reported this evening that the suspended Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC) has resigned.
According to BBC News Anne Donaghy officially quit her position with the local authority yesterday, Thursday 19th January, citing heath grounds.
Ms Donaghy initially was reported to have took sick leave in September 2021 amid increasing controversy regarding council's role in removing workers involved in administering the Irish Sea border at Larne Port, when DUP MLA Edwin Poots was DAERA MInister.
At that time council was also embroiled in controversy around the inner-workings of the organisation, and allegations of harassment, bullying and the existence of a 'toxic culture' at the the heart of the authority.
The ongoing scandal led to what became known as 'the raid on The Braid' when PSNI Detectives tasked with investigating suspected misconduct in public office and offences under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 visited the council headquarters at Bridge Street, Ballymena, on 19th October 2021.
With pressure continuing to build the now former Chief was suspended from her 13 months ago in December 2021.
Following her suspension, Ms Donaghy instructed her solicitor to launch legal proceedings against MEABC on disability grounds. She further claimed discrimination on grounds of her sex, religious and political beliefs.
The officers from the Criminal Investigation Branch made a second visit to council HQ on 5 April 2022.
Ms Donaghy who was absent from her post for around 15 months while on full pay, was understood to be on a salary of £117,000.
Love Ballymena has asked Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Ms Donaghy's solicitor for comment.