17/09/2013

Youngest Elected County Councillor Resigns Over Drug Arrest

A 21-year-old Councillor in Herefordshire is to resign after receiving a police caution for possession of drugs.

Alex Hempton-Smith was elected in 2011 to the Tupsley Ward of Herefordshire, making him the youngest county Councillor to be elected.

A statement issued by Mr Hempton-Smith reveals that he was arrested on August 16 in Fusion nightclub in Hereford, subsequently accepting a police caution.

In the statement, Mr Hempton-Smith claims he has been suffering from depression.

"The recent incident at Fusion Nightclub has made me confront the realities of my situation and has enabled me to see clearly how to put things right," he said.

"Like many young people I have ambitions to travel the world to get a wider perspective and I am now taking this opportunity."

(MH/CD)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 March 2009
Mayor Questioned Over Alleged Corruption
An elected mayor has been arrested in connection with a police inquiry into alleged corruption, it has emerged. Mark Meredith, 42, Stoke-on-Trent - who was elected in May 2005 - was detained by police on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office.
11 May 2011
Stormont Politicians Return To Assembly
Northern Ireland's newly elected Assembly is to take its seats this week. Stormont sources said the first session of the Assembly on Thursday will deal with the election of the Speaker.
20 November 2009
Police Slam Tory Commissioner Plans
One of the UK's top policemen has warned Tory plans to introduce locally elected commissioners could prompt mass resignations from constabulary chiefs nationwide. Association of Chief Police Officers President, Sir Hugh Orde said police independence was "absolutely critical".
27 July 2010
Radical Police Reforms Announced
Plans for a radical overhaul of policing in England and Wales have been unveiled by Home Secretary Theresa May. The plans include the introduction of locally elected Police and Crime Commissioners and a new National Crime Agency.
05 November 2008
Council Bans Smokers From Fostering
Smokers in a London borough council are to be banned from fostering children, under radical new policies. Redbridge Council's cabinet agreed on Tuesday night to place the ban on carers who smoke, unless they are "exceptional circumstances".