Brent councillor who lives in Brighton avoids by-election woes

Cllr Rev David Clues turned up at his first meeting in six months yesterday

A councillor who moved to Brighton 18 months ago and refused to give up his seat has avoided triggering a by-election by attending his first meeting in six months.

Cllr Rev David Clues, who left the borough in December 2011, was present at last night’s Partnership and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, his first scheduled appearance since December last year.

Cllr Rev Clues, a former vicar at St Mary’s Church in Neasden Lane, Willesden, and a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Dudden Hill ward moved 90 miles away to become the vicar at St Bartholomew’s Church.

He has faced repeated calls to resign but under council rules he can continue to retain his seat and claim his allowance of £7,974 a year provided he attends one town hall meeting every six months.

Last night’s meeting was discussing controversial cuts to the fire service from the Mayor of London with Brent’s fire borough commander

According the council’s official attendance figures his last attendance was at the same committee on December 6 meaning the six month cut off point would have passed by the next scheduled meeting.

According to the council’s official website residents are invited to contact Cllr Clues, who does not hold a surgery, by telephone.

When the Times attempted to contact him we were told the number was temporarily out of use.