By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A Gloucester councillor, who has pleaded guilty to harassing a well-known businessman, says he will not stand down from public office.
Independent councillor Alastair Chambers, 45, admitted yesterday (November 9) to harassing former Conservative councillor Justin Hudson.
The incident happened in the early hours of October 5 last year outside Butler’s Venue Bar which is run by the 50-year-old former Sheriff of Gloucester.
Chambers admitted calling him a “f****** paedophile” and a “nonce” outside the bar, Gloucestershire Magistrates’ Court heard.
Liberal Democrats in the city are now calling on the councillor to consider his position following his plea.
“Councillors are rightly expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and set an example to the communities they represent”, a Gloucester Liberal Democrat spokesperson said.
They said Chambers has “fallen woefully short of those standards” and his guilty plea “raises fundamental questions about the trust and confidence residents can place in him as an elected representative”.
“Mr Chambers must now take full responsibility for his actions, offer an unreserved apology and resign immediately from both Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire County Council.”
But Chambers said he will not be standing down as a councillor.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that I will continue in my role as a councillor and serving the residents of Matson, Robinswood, White City and Coney Hill,” he said.
“My commitment to those communities has not changed.”
Councillors who break the law are not automatically disqualified from public office.
However, those who are convicted for any offence receiving a prison sentence of three months or more, including suspended sentences, without the option of a fine, automatically lose their post immediately upon receiving their sentence.
Cllr Chambers is due to return to court for sentencing on December 7, 2026.