A QUESTION mark hangs above the political career of David Cartwright following his resignation as Redditch Council Leader.

Mr Cartwright stepped down on Thursday after it was revealed he was being investigated for the financial mismanagement of defunct charity Step Out Drop In (SODI), of which he was chief executive.

The Charity Commission is due to publish its findings into the allegations soon.

But Conservative group leader Councillor Carole Gandy said if the findings of the report bring the council into disrepute, Mr Cartwright should resign his seat.

She said: "I think it's sad he has resigned because I had a good working relationship with him but baring in mind the situation regarding SODI, I don't think he had any alternative.

"I am now just waiting for the results of the inquiry by the Charity Commission. If this shows anything untoward has happened, then I will be calling for his resignation as a councillor."

She said she had written to Mr Cartwright asking whether his conduct had brought the council into disrepute but had not yet received a reply.

Speaking about his resignation, Mr Cartwright said: "I am standing down as Council Leader to enable me to concentrate on doing everything I can to ensure what happens now is done in a proper and orderly way.

"I also need to devote more time to my family, who have been seriously affected by this whole sorry saga."

An official announcement into Mr Cartwright's successor will be made at the next full council meeting on October 31.

Deputy Leader Phil Mould will take over as acting leader in the mean time.