POLICE are to investigate claims that a former Swansea Council boss committed perjury.

South Wales Police have confirmed they are to look into allegations against former head of corporate complaints Alison White.

It follows her appearance at an employment tribunal involving the authority last year.

Ms White was a witness at the hearing involving former corporate complaints manager Julie Jones, who eventually won her claim against the authority for constructive dismissal.

This week, her settlement was finally announced, when the authority was ordered to pay her almost £34,000 in compensation.

With the case finally over, police have confirmed they are to examine allegations that Ms White deliberately gave false information to the tribunal hearing while under oath.

Chief superintendent for Swansea Mark Mathias said: "Now that the civil proceedings have concluded, we have the opportunity to examine the facts and establish if any criminal offence has been committed.

"South Wales Police, in conjunction with the Criminal Prosecution Service will take this forward."

Alison White was at the heart of the tribunal hearing, in which Ms Jones claimed she was hounded out of her £30,000-a-year job following harassment and bullying by Ms White and other colleagues.

The tribunal found in favour of mother-two Ms Jones, from Murton, but police have become involved after questions were raised, both during the hearing and after the verdict was delivered, over the evidence provided by Ms White.

She had denied during the case that images of her were among those found on a council computer belonging to then-leader Lawrence Bailey.

But Swansea Council lawyer Patrick Arran subsequently wrote a letter to the tribunal, stating there was evidence to show Ms White's evidence to the tribunal was untrue.

Ms White, from Brynhyfryd, declined to comment on the announcement by police.