According to reports on Muswellbrook’s Power FM radio news in the past fortnight, councillor Jennifer Lecky and former councillor Trevor Elks were alleged to have loaned councillor Gary Serhan money prior to the election.

The radio reports suggested the councillors should have disclosed the loans to the Electoral Commission, however Cr Lecky and Mr Elks both say the loans had nothing to do with the election.

A spokesman for the Electoral Commission this week said there had been no written or official complaint or request for the commission to look into the matter.

Muswellbrook Shire Council general manager Steve McDonald also said he had not been asked to investigate.

Mr Elks this week confirmed he had made a private loan to Cr Serhan several months before the 2008 election, which was for personal use.

“I have advice from the NSW Electoral Funding Authority which clearly identifies that my actions were not inappropriate,” Mr Elks said.

He said the offering of a loan to an individual for personal use was not a breach of legislation or policy.

When contacted by The Muswellbrook Chronicle last week Cr Lecky said she did not give Cr Serhan money to be used for his election campaign.

Cr Serhan said he was unable to comment at this stage.