A COUNCILLOR has resigned as chairman of a safety partnership after he was tested for possible drink-driving.

Newcastle City councillor Tony Rounthwaite, 55, gave police a blood sample after his car hit a fence. He has not been charged, but has been released on police bail.

He is awaiting the test result, but has resigned as chairman of Safe Newcastle Partnership, as the council's executive member for neighbour- hood management and community and as a member of Northumbria Police Authority.

The Liberal Democrat will continue to represent his North Jesmond ward.