THE row over a stand-in boss who cost taxpayers £1,000 a day has taken a new twist.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has revealed that the resignation of former chief executive Lindsay Cornish coincided with a separate investigation that prevented it from filling the post internally.

The disclosure was made yesterday when members of the authority met for just 13 minutes to debate the controversy.

Ms Cornish was replaced by international troubleshooter Barrie Foley, who was the NPA’s interim chief executive for almost a year.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the recruitment agency that supplied Mr Foley was paid £1,000 a day – resulting in a bill of £255,000.

A highly critical report published by the Audit Commission says the NPA failed to consider cheaper options, including the use of internal cover.

But NPA member John Sanger, pictured, defended the authority at yesterday’s meeting, saying internal cover would have been “inappropriate”.

“There was an investigation pending – and I’m not talking about the former chief executive – that might have resulted in disciplinary action.

Senior management might have been involved,” he said.

Mr Sanger gave no further details and declined to elaborate after the meeting.

Last night the NPA refused to release any information about the investigation, its outcome and whether the person at the centre of inquiry was still working for the organisation.

A spokesman said: “We cannot comment on personal issues.”

Ms Cornish resigned in 2009 following criticism of her management style and a public furore over shortlived plans to impose road tolls, dog-free car parks and other restrictions.

Her severance deal has never been revealed but she is understood to have received a pay-off totalling almost £130,000.

The Audit Commission report reveals that the deal was negotiated by Clive Chatters, who was chairman of the NPA at the time. However, it says the payment was never formally considered or approved by the authority as a whole.

The ten-page report was written by auditor Patrick Jarvis, who attended yesterday’s meeting.

Mr Jarvis said the NPA failed to prepare a proper business case for terminating Ms Cornish’s contract and may have breached its own rules.

He added: “It was a difficult and unsettling period. I understand the context and background, although I don’t think it justified some of the weaknesses.”

Members were also addressed by Sue Baillie, representing the protest group One Voice, who urged the NPA to hold an internal inquiry.

Mr Sanger said the authority had received “strong guidance” from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The only other member who spoke during the debate was the current chairman, Julian Johnson. He said: “There were weaknesses and I think we all accept that.”

Members approved a series of recommendations made by Mr Jarvis.

They agreed that any future termination payments should be supported by a clear business case and reported to either the relevant committee or a full meeting of the authority.

The NPA will also prepare a detailed business case, including the potential costs, before employing interim staff.