Suspended councillor resigns
Thursday 13th May 2010, 11:59AM BST.
In a statement, Mr Andrews said: “I have taken the decision to step down with immediate effect as unitary councillor for the Clee division. This step has not been taken lightly and I regret that it has been necessary.
“However my decision is based on my values and principles as a professional businessman and on the basis that I feel that I should be able to speak openly and freely in the best interests of the public at large. In my opinion, my experience to date unfortunately demonstrates that this is something very difficult to achieve.”
He thanked everyone who voted him in and apologised for no longer being able to represent them.
He said he had not been put under any external pressure to make a “very personal decision”.
Mr Andrews was suspended on April 26 after a tribunal found he had failed to treat council officer Lucy McFarlane with respect, attempted to use his position to influence a committee decision, brought the council into disrepute and attempted to use his position to secure a personal advantage.
Last July, while a councillor, he sent a letter to council officers and planners saying Miss McFarlane showed a “lack of impartiality” over an application for a path near his home at Seifton Batch.
Claire Porter, council assistant chief executive, said it was likely a by-election would be held in July.
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