A political row has broken out in a Norfolk district which has led a senior Tory to accuse the opposition of "deceit".
The Labour group in Great Yarmouth has come under fire for its handling of the dismissal of a district councillor from his post after they claimed he was "standing down" amid personal and health issues.
But it has since transpired that Mike Smith-Clare, who served as the representative for the town's Central and Northgate ward for several years, was automatically removed for failing to attend a meeting in six months.
The news was announced last week and came amid the councillor's recent bipolar disorder diagnosis and personal issues, which are thought to have been a contributing factor in his absence.
Graham Plant, deputy leader of the Great Yarmouth Conservative group, said: "While I wish the former councillor well, it is disappointing that the Labour Party is seeking to deliberately mislead residents by characterising this as a resignation, rather than an effective sacking due to a failure to fulfil the minimum duty of attending just one meeting in six months."
According to a spokesman for the council, the last meeting Mr Smith-Clare attended was on June 15, 2023.
His absence since then triggered an automatic removal under section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.
A by-election for the ward is due to be held on February 29.
Trevor Wainwright, leader of the Great Yarmouth Labour Group, has defended his party's actions, arguing their choice of wording was used in an effort to avoid causing undue pressure on his former colleague during a difficult period.
“We do not think we acted deceitfully in our handling of his departure," he said.
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"Our decision to say he had stepped down was done to avoid putting any more undue pressure on Mike during what has been a difficult time for him.
"It is very sad that this has come about like this after his many years of service to residents in the borough and the county.
"We remain focused on what matters most to us; delivering the best possible services for the people of Great Yarmouth."
But Mr Plant believes the circumstances surrounding Mr Smith-Clare's departure show "only the Conservatives are serious about showing up and taking the steps required to support our community".
"Ours is a record of delivery not words and we look forward to presenting our positive vision for the town" he added.
The Labour Party has announced its new candidate for the by-election, with local father and rugby player James Dwyer-McCluskey set to stand.
The Conservatives are yet to announce their candidate.
Mr Smith-Clare stood as the Labour parliamentary candidate for Yarmouth in 2017 and 2019 but was beaten by current Conservative MP Brandon Lewis.
Last month it was announced he had been appointed the new deputy leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County Council - a role he intends to continue in.
The upcoming by-election will be hotly contested by both the Tories and Labour.
Currently, the Conservatives have no overall majority but winning the ward would mean the make-up of the council would change to 20 Conservative councillors, 17 from Labour and two independents.
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