Councillor agrees to quit over second seat in shires

A Conservative councillor in Harrow announced today that he would quit after it emerged he also sits on a council in another part of the country.

Mark Versallion lives in Bedfordshire but has represented Stanmore Park in Harrow for more than a year.

But after he was elected to Bedfordshire county council this month some residents in Harrow accused him of having "no commitment" to the area.

Sources claimed that Mr Versallion, 39, a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, would receive more than £20,000 a year for his work on the two councils. Chairwoman of the
Conservative Association in Harrow, Marilyn Ashton, said that calling a by-election would be "the honourable thing to do". She added: "I understand he has made clear to people in Bedfordshire that he intends to stand down in Harrow, but we haven't got as far as a formal agreement."

The Labour leader of Harrow council, Bill Stephenson, described the situation as "a complete farce", adding: "He used to have a business in Harrow but now he lives a considerable distance away. If you are a Harrow councillor you should be able to devote yourself to it full-time."

After being contacted by the Standard Mr Versallion today conceded that it was "appropriate" that he now quits Harrow council. He said: "I still feel able to deal with my ward case work in Harrow, and indeed have been doing so since my election to Central Bedfordshire on May 5 but, as I have said even since before my election, I think it is appropriate that I stand down from Harrow council.

"This is being discussed with the
Harrow party association."