THE incoming mayor of Bournemouth has been told off for demanding that Francis Maude should be sacked.

Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts, who takes over at the mayor-making ceremony on May 25, is not allowed to make political comments because the mayor should be seen as neutral.

He was reminded of his responsibilities by Bournemouth council’s chief executive, Tony Willia-ms.

Francis Maude suggested people store fuel in jerry cans ahead of a petrol strike.

A York woman was badly burned while storing fuel and Cllr Stanley-Watts told the Daily Echo at the time: “I thought Francis Maude saying that was very irresponsible.

“I think it’s ludicrous. I can imagine that the fire authority and the professional fire-fighters are totally dismayed.”

A Bournemouth council spokesman said: “Tony Williams had a discussion with Cllr Phillip Stanley-Watts further to his comments about Francis Maude.

“The chief executive reminded him that as mayor-elect he must remain non-political at all times.”

Cllr John Beesley, leader of the council, told the Echo: “Cllr Stanley-Watts stepped quite a long way over the line of mayoral impartiality and I think it was out of his natural enthusiasm to be involved rather than anything else.

“A lot of members find the transition to mayor difficult but that’s common. There are 53 other elected members who can comment on any issue under the sun.”

The Echo could not contact Cllr Stanley-Watts.