A FIRE chief could be returning to work after a report allegedly found no evidence of misconduct.

David Johnson, Essex’s chief fire officer, has been on suspension from his role nearly two years ago.

A confidential report obtained by the BBC showed there had been ten allegations made against Mr Johnson.

They included inflaming relations with striking workers by issuing a press release ahead of action.

However, the author of the report, Naomi Ellenbogen QC, said she had found no evidence of misconduct or gross misconduct.

The confidential report revealed Mr Johnson was suspended following allegations which included:

Mr Johnson stayed in luxury accommodation during the Fire Conference in Cardiff against the verbal instruction of the chairman of the fire authority

He failed to give adequate notice of an annual leave booking and was frequently absent from work

He inflamed a dispute with the Fire Brigades Union by issuing a press release ahead of strike action just before Christmas 2013.

Mr Johnson has been suspended on full pay since April 2015.

The fire chief was removed from his post pending an internal investigation into the allegations, which he denied.

The chief fire officer, whose annual salary is £224,954, originally went on long-term sick leave in 2014. He was suspended before he had the chance to return to work.

It is believed the suspension has cost the fire authority more than £600,000 in salary costs associated with his suspension.

Mr Johnson cannot comment on the case while he is suspended.

A spokesperson for Essex Fire Authority said: “It is important to note the report which has been shared with the BBC is not the only piece of evidence in the investigation into David Johnson which will be considered by the Fire Authority in a few weeks time.

“Legal representatives on both sides are working hard to draw matters to a conclusion which is in the interests of everyone concerned, including Essex taxpayers.

“This investigation has taken longer than anyone would like to progress toward a solution but the Fire Authority does have a responsibility to ensure the due process is followed when serious issues involving a statutory officer come to light and proceedings are fair.

“This is as much to protect David Johnson’s rights and position as our own. Mr Johnson’s suspension is a neutral act and so he is entitled to his salary during this period.”