A Romsey councillor at the centre of a row over finances is being investigated by a government watchdog.

Councillor Mark Cooper was reported to the Standards Board for England after he broke Romsey Town Council's silence over a secret sum of money that was removed from the accounts.

He told the Daily Echo the cash formed a pension fund for former town council clerk Kate Bunce.

However, she accused Cllr Cooper of breaching a gagging order - and reported him on three charges:

Failing to treat others with respect

Bringing the officers or authority into disrepute

Disclosing confidential information.

This week, the Standards Board for England confirmed that Liberal Democrat Cllr Cooper, also a Test Valley borough councillor and a Hampshire county councillor, was being investigated.

A spokesman said: "He was referred to us on three initial complaints and the investigation might or might not look at all those aspects."

The result of the investigation is not due to be announced for a few months.

Cllr Cooper landed himself at the centre of the row over Romsey Town Council's finances when he lifted the lid on the secret £93,000 cash transfer, which did not appear on any budget reports shown to the public.

Previously, council bosses had maintained that "legal agreements" meant they could not talk about the mysterious budget item.

Cllr Cooper's decision to break the silence seems to have happened without the backing of other town council members.

Recently-appointed Romsey Town Council mayor Jill Gethin was staying tight-lipped about the issue, refusing to speak to the Daily Echo.

Cllr Cooper said he was unable to comment on the matter until the Standards Board had concluded its investigation.