Sacked: Shropshire Council cabinet member removed from portfolio by council leader Malcolm Pate

Councillor Peter Nutting, who represents Copthorne in Shrewsbury, was removed from his post as portfolio holder for income generation last week.

The Conservative councillor was appointed to the post in January, tasked with coming up with ideas for the council to make more money.

His suggestions had included investing in solar farms and using land earmarked for student halls in Shrewsbury as a car park while the project awaited the green light.

He had also announced he wanted to review pricing at Shrewsbury's Quarry pool but he was sacked by council leader Malcolm Pate last week.

It is understood the disagreement centred around an aborted challenge from a group of councillors to Councillor Pate's leadership. Councillor Nutting, who would not be drawn on the reasons behind his dismissal, said: "We had a disagreement and I was removed from my position."

The Shrewsbury councillor said he was disappointed but would now spend his time focussing on issues affecting the town.

He said: "I was enjoying it but I will value the freedom to fight on behalf of local residents on issues like the golf club and the future of the swimming pool, which was more difficult with my portfolio role."

Councillor Pate confirmed he had decided to "reorganise the administration".

He said: "There has been a reorganisation in the administration and unfortunately I felt a need to replace my portfolio holder for income generation."

Councillor Nic Laurens, who represents Meole in Shrewsbury, has been appointed as a replacement to the role.

The council leader said the move was part of a drive to add young councillors to the administration.

He said: "Nick Laurens will take on the post. He is a very talented young councillor who I wanted to bring into the administration. I made changes to the administration because I want to bring in a young talented councillor into the administration."