A BOURNEMOUTH Conservative councillor who has been suspended since June says he is hopeful an end is in sight.

Cllr Douglas Spencer was suspended by the Tory party nationally more than five months ago and has been the subject of a top-level investigation ever since.

Party bosses have been resolutely tight-lipped about the progress of this investigation, merely confirming that he remains suspended.

But Cllr Spencer, who represents Winton East, told the Echo: “I have had an indication that we’ll hear something next week.”

He has previously stated his intention to issue a press release once the Conservative National Central Board had reached a decision on his future.

His suspension from the party has meant he has been exiled from the Conservative Group on Bournemouth council and he also lost his positions as cabinet member for housing and chair of the Bournemouth West Conservative Association.

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party said: “Douglas Spencer’s membership of the Conservative Party has been suspended due to behaviour and judgement that was incompatible with that of an official of the Conservative Party. He will remain suspended.”