Lambeth Council’s Controversial Departure: Chief Executive Receives Significant Payout Following DUI Arrest
In a remarkable turn of events, Bayo Dosunmu, the former chief executive of Lambeth Council, has made headlines after receiving a substantial severance package of £87,879. This payout comes in the wake of his arrest for drunk driving and a subsequent guilty plea on charges including drink-driving, driving without insurance, and failing to stop after a collision at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in September 2024.
Despite the severity of the legal issues he faced — culminating in a two-year driving ban — Dosunmu’s exit from his role has sparked questions and criticisms regarding the standards of accountability for public officials. One particularly ironic aspect of this case is that Lambeth Council is known for its strict anti-car policies, making this situation even more contentious.
The decision to award such a significant settlement has drawn comparisons to the hypocrisy often observed in politics, where leaders advocate for high moral standards yet find themselves embroiled in scandals of their own. This incident raises important discussions about governance, responsibility, and the consequences that come with high-ranking positions in local government.
As the community reflects on this situation, it becomes clear that the implications of Dosunmu’s actions extend beyond his personal life; they touch upon the broader themes of ethical leadership and transparency in public service.
Bayo Dosunmu is a UK-based public servant and former senior local government official. Most notably, he served as Chief Executive of Lambeth Council, a Labour-run local authority in south London, between April 2022 and July 2024 (news.sky.com).
Career Highlights
Prior to heading Lambeth Council, Dosunmu was Deputy Chief Executive and Strategic Director for Resident Services in the same borough; before that, he held roles at Homes England, the Olympic Delivery Authority, and within the Welsh Government (news.sky.com).
Appointed as Returning Officer for elections in Lambeth, overseeing electoral organisation and integrity.
Legal Controversy & Resignation
In June 2024, Dosunmu was arrested in Westminster and subsequently charged with:
Driving under the influence of alcohol (over the limit);
Driving without insurance;
Failing to stop after a collision;
Possession of a Class A drug (news.sky.com).
He pleaded guilty to the motoring offences – including drink-driving and failing to stop – resulting in:
A two-year driving ban;
A 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work;
A program of rehabilitation (standard.co.uk, brixtonbuzz.com).
Following the incident, he stepped down from his 185-190k/year role in July 2024, with interim leadership put in place (facebook.com).
Exit Package & Public Reaction
In April 2025, it emerged Dosunmu received a contractual payout of nearly 88,000 covering his notice period, unused leave, and duties as Returning Officer (standard.co.uk).
This payment sparked criticism from taxpayers' campaigners and residents, who described it as a misuse of public funds, though the council responded it was legal and contractually required (standard.co.uk).
Current Status
The drug possession charge (Class A) remains outstanding, with a trial expected later in 2025 (news.sky.com).
Summary
Bayo Dosunmu rose swiftly through public sector leadership to helm Lambeth Council, earning nearly 190k annually. His high-profile career came to an abrupt halt following serious motoring and drug-related charges. He resigned in mid2024, received a controversial exit package, and is now awaiting trial on the drug-related charge.