Senior councillor suspended from Tory group

Phil Larratt has been responsible for highways and transport on West Northamptonshire Council

A leading councillor has stepped down from his cabinet role after being suspended by his Conservative group.

Phil Larratt has been cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste at West Northamptonshire Council.

Council leader Adam Brown said an accusation had been made that he had broken the rules of the council's Tory group.

"The suspension and investigation bears no assumption of guilt," Mr Brown said.

The Conservative group said the investigation would take no longer than 21 days.

Mr Larratt will sit as an independent councillor following the suspension.

A council spokesperson said it had been told by the Tory group that he had "stepped down from his cabinet duties during this period".

"Alternative arrangements are being made for these responsibilities during this time," they said.

Mr Larratt was contacted for comment.