The former mayor of Bexley says he is the victim of false allegations after being “prohibited” from Scouting activities at a national level, pending an investigation.

James Hunt, who sits on Bexley Council as a Conservative, is also the chairman of Cudham Shaws, a 90-acre outdoor activity centre run by the Bexley Scout District.

But he says he has been told to “stay away” after volunteers at the site complained about his “management style”.

The Scouts told the News Shopper: “We are aware of the concerns involving Mr Hunt and are working with the statutory agencies.”

The national body added: “Mr Hunt is prohibited from all contact with Scouting whilst enquiries are conducted.”

It confirmed its investigation after the News Shopper received an anonymous email tip-off.

But, it said: “As this is a live case we are unable to make any detailed comments at this time.”

Mr Hunt, who has represented Blackfen and Lamorbey ward on Bexley Council since 2006, is a former chairman of children’s services and education and is described on his council profile as “a keen advocate of young people in Bexley”.

He was a member of the 7th Welling Scouts group as a child, becoming its first ever Beaver Scout. 

“I have had some complaints about me about my management style at a campsite by four volunteers,” he said. “That’s it.”

Mr Hunt’s chairman role at Cudham Shaws is unpaid and involves accountancy for the site, he said.

“I have not been suspended,” he said. “That is 100%. What I’ve been told to do is keep my head down and stay away.

“In Scouting there’s something called ‘stay away’. It’s not a suspension. It’s nothing like that. Stuff carries on.

“I just can’t go to the site. I can’t go to Cudham. I’ve not been suspended because I actually did a meeting on Monday night.”

He said he was unable to discuss the complaints about him in detail because there is an ongoing process within the Scouts.

But he said he denied the complaints and had witnesses supporting him.

“We have received confirmation from the Scouts that Cllr Hunt has not been suspended,” a Bexley Council spokesperson said.

“We have asked for an update regarding any investigation that the Scouts may be undertaking.”