Council loses £1m depression case against ex-MD

A council that sued its former managing director for allegedly concealing a depressive illness has lost its case for compensation.Cheltenham Borough Council took court action against Christine Laird, who led the local authority between 2002 and 2005, claiming her illness had cost it £1 million. Laird, who left on an ill-health pension after taking sick leave for over a year on full pay, was accused of not disclosing her medical history when applying for the post.