AN UNDER-FIRE councillor who has been suspended from his party for "financial irregularities" has hit back at his former leader.

Andrew Sherris, Conservative councillor for Yarm for Stockton Borough Council, is understood to have been in arrears with his council tax on a property he owns, although that is now believed to have been sorted out.

However, Conservative Group leader, Ben Houchen, has pressed ahead with an investigation.

Cllr Houchen also said Cllr Sherris had previously been deselected as the Conservative Party's candidate at the next council election because he had voted in favour of housing developments in and around Yarm and it was felt he was not representing local people.

But Cllr Sherris said Cllr Houchen's statement was; "deliberately misleading and wrong".

He said: "There have been numerous applications in recent years starting with the Morley Carr application (to build 350 homes) where I fought a vocal campaign against.

"The only one I have ever supported was following barrister`s advice given to Stockton planning committee about the Tall Trees site. This already had an extant permission on it and we were advised that if it was refused the applicant would win on appeal with substantial costs against the council.

"It's only in recent months with an election looming that we see a complete U-turn with certain applications, particularly in marginal seats like Stockton South."

He added: "Furthermore I would ask where Cllr Houchen has been for the past four years as he has not appeared at planning committee to support residents and challenge Government policy.

"Indeed on many aspects of being a local councillor, Yarm has had representation from only two members, myself and colleague Cllr Mark Chatburn.

"I can produce substantial evidence of my achievements in support of local residents. Something he will struggle to do.”