Demand to pay back money is making me sick

Peter Pinfield, the leader of the Labour group at Worcestershire County Council, occupied a 'politically restricted' position at Dudley Council's social services for five years, which meant he was not entitled to be a councillor.

Using basic allowances for group leader of £17,000 and figures obtained from Wychavon District Councillor during the four out of those five years he was a member there, his income has been calculated at around £75,000.

But some opponents, who are angered the error went unnoticed for so long, have claimed the figure could be closer to £100k.

Now the councillor, who won back his seat at Droitwich West with his biggest majority in the council elections last week, has told the Worcester News how the incident is taking a severe physical toll on him.

"My health has already dramatically suffered," he said.

"I went to see the doctor and he said my blood pressure was up and my diabetes is getting worse.

"This is a very worrying time for me and my family. I am not sure of the exact time I was in the job, or of the amount of money I may have to pay back. I am taking legal advice.

"I will reiterate that neither Dudley council or myself knew the position I was in was restricted until a week before the election."

But for one opposition member, that was not good enough.

"That is a lot of public money to say you just didn't realise what was happening," said the person, who wished to remain anonymous.

"A lot of councillors are very indignant and we are under the impression the figure he owes is in excess of £100k."

When Councillor Pinfield realised what had happened, he said he immediately took a demotion to a job that allowed him to be involved in politics.

But he was still in a politically-sensitive role when he signed the nomination papers, and if a legal challenge was mounted, a by-election could be called.

The opposition parties are keeping tight-lipped as to what action, if any, they will take.