Councillor suspended after allegations against him

Nick Housden represents Stonehouse, Gloucestershire

A county councillor has been suspended by his party after being made aware of allegations against him.

It is not known what the allegations are against Conservative Nick Housden, who represents Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, but he is understood to be moving to the Netherlands.

The former Stroud District Councillor has also resigned from his position as the chairman and manager of the Carlton Club, a Conservative club in Stroud.

A spokesperson for the party confirmed Mr Housden's suspension. Mr Housden has been approached for comment.

"The Conservative Group on Gloucestershire County Council has been made aware of allegations made against Councillor Nick Housden,” a Conservative spokesperson said.

“As a result, we have decided to suspend Cllr Nick Housden until further notice. We will not be making any further comments at this time.”

A spokesperson for the Carlton Club also confirmed Mr Housden had resigned as director, a role he assumed in March 2023, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“The Carlton club committee have accepted the resignation of Chairman Nick Housden with immediate effect," they said.

“The club will move forward and are looking forward to continuing and welcoming members."

Gloucestershire County Council is composed of 25 Conservatives, 16 Liberal Democrats, five Greens, five Labour councillors, one Independent Conservative and Cllr Housden.

While the Conservatives are a minority administration it is unlikely they will lose control of the authority before the next elections in May.

Independent Conservative Alastair Chambers votes with the Tory group and the chairman, who can use a casting vote in the case of a vote tie, is Conservative.