'Superhead' suspended after boyfriend's VAR won IT deal

Hackney's Best Start Federation insists the contract award was based on quality and value

A so-called 'superhead' once hailed by Michael Gove as "magnificent" has been suspended amid concerns around the award of an IT contract to his boyfriend's reseller firm.

Greg Wallace was suspended from his role of principal of the Best Start Federation (BSF) – which is in charge of five Hackney primary schools – after he awarded an IT contract to C2 Technology, whose director Tony Zangoura is reported to be his partner.

Specific details of the contract are unclear, and neither the BSF nor HLT were able to provide further information other than that it was for computer supplies.

The BSF's current acting chair of governors Peter Passam was also chair of governors at two of the five primary schools when the contract in question was first signed in 2009. He said he knew about Wallace's connection to C2 Technology's Zangoura, but insisted the contract award was above board.

"Greg Wallace was always open with me about his connection with C2 Technology," he said.

"The contract was judged on its value and its quality. We have been very satisfied with the work that has given the children access to modern technology at a competitive price. Greg Wallace and his senior management team have transformed the five schools in the BSF... I believe C2 Technology has provided value for money support for our schools."

According to the London Evening Standard, Zangoura emailed school staff accusing HLT of "going on a fishing expedition within the schools to find dirt", and insisted he and Wallace were not together at the time of the contract award in 2009.

According to Companies House records, Wallace held the role of secretary at C2 Technology until 2004.

A Hackney Council spokesperson said: "The council has withdrawn financial and staffing powers from the governing body of the Best Start Federation as part of an ongoing investigation."