A LEADING Bournemouth councillor suspended by the Tory party has spoken out to defend himself.

The conduct of Cllr Douglas Spencer is being examined by the Board of the Conservative Party following a complaint from a member of the Bournemouth West Conservative Association.

Cllr Spencer, chairman of the association, insists he remains committed to the party and that the matter does not affect his role as councillor for Winton East.

Details of the allegations against him have not been released.

He said: “I have given a full and frank report on my work as chairman of the association, together with the circumstances of my taking over from my predecessor, the conduct of the General Election and the work of the association post the election.

“I have also submitted a number of documents in support of my submission.

“This is a Party matter between myself as chairman and the National Board.

“It in no way affects my role as a councillor for Winton East or my role as a portfolio holder in the cabinet.

“I remain committed to the Conservative Party, both locally and nationally, as I have been for the past 49 years. As this matter is now sub judice I shall be making no further comment until after the board has considered the matter.”

Cllr Spencer, the cabinet member for housing, health and social care, is one of four councillors currently under investigation.

Comments on this story are now closed. Thanks for your contributions. There will be a follow-up story posted tomorrow morning, so come back then!