Lambeth council boss Bayo Dosunmu resigns after drink and drug driving allegations

Lambeth council’s chief executive has resigned after being charged with drugs and drink-driving offences.

Bayo Dosunmu is accused of fleeing the scene of a car crash in Westminster in late June.

The 46-year-old, from Hammersmith, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, drink-driving, possession of Class A drugs and driving without insurance.

After the arrest, Lambeth council said Mr Dosunmu would take some time “off duty”.

A city hall spokesman confirmed on Wednesday that he will officially leave the £185,000-a-year post from next week.

“Bayo Dosunmu has resigned as Chief Executive of Lambeth Council with effect from Monday 15 July 2024,” a spokesman said.

“Fiona Connolly is currently acting chief executive and the board will soon begin the process of recruiting a permanent chief executive.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Bayo Dosunmu, 46, from Hammersmith was arrested on Sunday 23 June in the Westminster area.

“He was charged on Monday, June 24. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 1.”

Dosunmu received a salary of around £185,000 a year as head of the Labour-led local authority, plus extra payments for acting as borough chairperson during elections.

He was appointed chief executive of Lambeth in 2022, having previously acted as deputy head of the borough and strategic director for resident services.

Before that he was chief executive of Homes England and assistant chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency.

He has also served at senior level in a number of public service roles, including for the Welsh Government and the Olympic Games Delivery Authority.