A POPULAR Spa councillor faces an uncertain future after he discovered his job barred him taking office.

County councillor Peter Pinfield, who was elected to the Droitwich West ward with 46 per cent of the vote last Thursday, also works in Social Services at Dudley Borough Council.

A few years ago, Cllr Pinfield, Labour leader of Worcestershire County Council, was given a promotion but was unaware his role was politically restricted, which means not being allowed to stand for local or central government.

Now he may have to pay back the allowance he received for being a councillor and his role as Labour leader. Some estimates have put this at £80,000.

Peter Pinfield said: "It's a very worrying time for my family and I. As soon as my employer told me my job was a politically restricted role I resigned. I can only apologise to the Droitwich people."

He is well-known in Droitwich for his campaigning on the lido issue and managed to increase his vote to his biggest majority yet in this election.

Peter added: "I am going to accept my seat but realise it may not be the end."

Anyone can contest his right to take the seat and call for a by-election, and now former Conservative county councillor June Longmuir is contacting the Standards Board for England.

June said: "I find that I have a public duty to contact the Standards Board. I believe the integrity of the county council is paramount and I think the matter should be properly investigated."

Cllr Pinfield would be able to legally stand in the by-election as he is no longer in a politically restricted role.