THERE are questions over whether Gloucestershire County Councillor Nick Housden’s move to the Netherlands is permanent.
The Stonehouse County Councillor was suspended from the Conservative group last week after they were made aware of serious allegations against him.
Those allegations have not yet been revealed. However, the former Stroud district councillor also resigned from the Carlton Club in Stroud.
He had assumed the role of chairman and manager in March 2023 of the former Conservative Club in London Road.
Housden has said that the allegations are in the process of being withdrawn. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Gloucestershire County Council leader Stephen Davies (C, Hardwicke and Severn) would not comment on the allegations but said they were serious enough to have suspended Cllr Housden from the Conservative group at Shire Hall.
However, Cllr Davies says he is yet to see any evidence to back up claims that the allegations are going to be withdrawn.
“They appear to be serious allegations, and we need more details which we don’t know at this point,” Cllr Davies said.
Cllr Davies said there are also personal reasons behind Cllr Housden’s move to the Netherlands, adding: “I have heard suggestions he’s gonna move permanently to the Netherlands.
“I’ve equally heard suggestions that he’s just taking time out. I don’t think he has made that decision yet.”
Cllr Housden denies any wrongdoing and claims all the allegations have been withdrawn following explanations and an agreement has been reached by all parties.
‘’I now understand all allegations have been withdrawn following explanations and an agreement by all parties has now been reached so it would not be appropriate for me to comment on allegations that have been withdrawn or are in the process of being withdrawn,” Cllr Housden said.
“I have of course denied any wrongdoing in its entirety and believe this is proven by the agreement by all parties to withdraw any and all allegations against me.”
Cllr Davies said Cllr Housden is still suspended from the Conservative group and he wants to see evidence that allegations have been withdrawn.
“I want to see a copy of this signed document before I believe anything,” he said. “I’ve not seen anything that I see as a confirmed agreement at this point.”
Cllr Davies also said he has been contacted by Stonehouse Town Council who are concerned that their county councillor is absent. A motion of no confidence in Cllr Housden is understood to be being tabled at their next meeting.
But Cllr Davies said he would ensure that he would step in and take on case work for Stonehouse constituents in the absence of Cllr Housden. “I’m in the neighbouring division and if they want any help or anything that they need expedited they should reach out to me so that we can make sure that hey don’t get they don’t lose their representation.
“Conveniently, I share the same highway manager as Nick. So those things will continue.”
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