By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop will stand down from the district council ahead of the county elections in May and says he has not been claiming his allowance as a councillor since his election to Parliament.
The Labour councillor for Cinderford East was elected to represent the Forest at Westminster at last year’s general election.
However, he has also continued to represent the Forest of Dean District Council ward and is also a Cinderford Town Councillor.
Since his election as an MP in July, he has only attended one out of five district council meetings.
He says, to help the authority save costs, he will stand down from the district council to coincide with Gloucestershire County Council’s elections in May – should they proceed as planned.
Mr Bishop said: “I currently serve as the district councillor for Cinderford East, but I have made the decision to step down at the upcoming May elections.
“By doing so in May, I can help the council limit the costs of a by-election as there will already be elections going ahead.
“The work of the council is vital and deserves full focus, but as an MP, my priority must be to dedicate my time to my parliamentary duties.
“I believe that additional roles should only be taken on in exceptional circumstances, such as working in critical services like the NHS. Since my election as an MP, I have not and will not claim the councillor allowance I am entitled to.
“It has been a privilege to serve Cinderford East, and I will continue to carry out my duties to the best of my ability until the local elections in May.”