THE investigation into Sandwell Council’s deputy leader Councillor Mahboob Hussain has been widened to include fresh allegations which have been made to the police.

The Regional Organised Crime Unit’s inquiry was originally focussed on irregular sales of council assets but now questions are being asked about voterigging and taxi licensing issues.

A source close to the investigation revealed to the News the remit has widened and will now take longer to conclude.

The source said: “A number of people have come forward with information since the beginning of the investigation in October “And, as a result of this, new claims have come to light concerning alleged instances of voter fraud, taxi licensing irregularities and other allegations concerning historic family disputes.”

The source added: “The investigation will now last well into the New Year when at one stage it was thought it would be over and done with by Christmas.”

The police inquiry was sparked after community blogger Julian Saunders made online allegations concerning council land, including former toilets and the former Smethwick coroner’s court being sold to Cllr Hussain’s family members.

The blogger has also revealed he has passed information about the cancellation of parking tickets to the police.

Powerful Oldbury Cllr Hussain stood down as chairman of the council’s asset management and land disposal committee but remains deputy leader and cabinet member for town and neighbourhood services despite calls for him to resign.

Cllr Hussain refused to comment concerning the new allegations.

In September he had to apologise for failing to declare an interest in Five Star Taxis which won lucrative contracts from Sandwell Council.

Detective Inspector Chris Berrow, from the Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “As part of our on-going inquiries we have spoken to a number of people and visited a number of properties to gather as much information as possible.

“We will then start the lengthy process of assessing the information to determine whether or not any crimes have been committed.

“No arrests have been made at this time.”