A LONG-serving councillor says he is “surprised and shocked” to have been suspended from the Conservative Party after nearly 40 years.

Cllr David Jones, who represents West Highcliffe, is not among the handful of Christchurch Tories who have defied the party by pledging to stand as independents at May’s local elections.

But he was among those fighting the decision to set up a new council to run Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

He said in a statement: “On Friday afternoon (March 8) I received an e-mail from Central Office to the effect that I was suspended until further notice from the Conservative Party. While a general reason for the suspension was given no supporting evidence was provided. I have neither been shown a copy of the report on which these allegations are based nor been given an opportunity to respond in any way.

“After 38 years in the Conservative Party, serving the people as both as a volunteer and as an elected councillor, I view this with surprise and shock (especially when others who have done incalculable damage to the interests of the party locally, and who systematically defied the policy of their council group were welcomed back into the party and warmly accepted as candidates).

“I shall, of course, appeal against this suspension. I have always understood that the Conservative Party believes in the principles of natural justice and I demand the right to put my case.”