Leading Exeter Labour councillor suspended from party

Martin Pearce has been suspended from the Labour Party and is the subject of an investigation

A leading councillor has been suspended from the Labour Party, pending an investigation.

Martin Pearce was a member of the executive on Exeter City Council with responsibility for communities and homelessness prevention.

The Labour Party said it would not give details on the reasons behind the suspension.

Mr Pearce, whose term as a councillor was due to end with local elections in May, declined to comment.

After being contacted by the BBC earlier, a Labour Party spokesperson said: "We can confirm the suspension pending an ongoing investigation.

"We are unable to provide further comment until that investigation is concluded."

Exeter City Council said Mr Pearce was no longer a portfolio holder.

Nomination withdrawn

Mr Pearce is currently a coucillor for Duryard and St James.

He is not standing in that ward in the upcoming local elections on 2 May.

Mr Pearce was listed as a Labour and Cooperative Party candidate in the Alphington ward but his nomination has now been withdrawn.

A full list of all the candidates is available here.

Mr Pearce said he would not be commenting on the suspension or how it might affect his current role.

Elections are taking place in 13 of the 39 seats on Exeter City Council.