The Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, Phil Halsall, has been suspended from work pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation.
The council’s Urgency Committee made the decision in a meeting held at County Hall earlier today.
It follows an independent review of the tender process for a contract to run the council’s fleet services.
The Urgency Committee has also appointed Jo Turton, the council’s Executive Director for Environment, as interim Chief Executive with immediate effect.
The council has said it will be making no further comment pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.