John Taylor, the council’s 51-year-old former finance chief, was at the centre of a pound;3.9 million overspend two years ago which led to a complete shake-up in senior education management and in political control of the council.

An independent Audit Scotland inquiry held Mr Taylor co-responsible with other officials and councillors for the overspend.

Mr Taylor was suspended as the extent of the funding hole emerged and it became clear he did not have an accountancy qualification. Fraud officers also discovered he had had sent more than 20 cheques totalling pound;18,433 to his local community council near Kelso. As treasurer, he then transferred the cash to his own account.

He also admitted in Selkirk sheriff court to ordering 11 consignments of computer equipment worth pound;10,058 which were delivered to his home.