COUNCILLORS have been told to declare their partners’ business interests or risk future prosecution.

Under a major shake-up of local government, they will commit a criminal offence if they fail to do so.

The move, which is part of the Government’s Localism Act, has now been formally backed by Worcestershire County Council .

Under the guidelines, a politician must list their partners’ employment, the land they own, and any shares in a company.

It applies to civil partners or someone living with the councillor “in a similar capacity”.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, leader of the county council, said: “There has been discussions about the new rules and I hope any parish councillors threatening to resign over this will reconsider their position.

“I do feel that transparency has to be seen to be done, I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Councillor Peter McDonald, leader of the opposition Labour group, said: “From an opposition point of view I think it’s important there is disclosure over a partner’s interests.

“I do agree that we need to be seen as being as open as possible over our decision making.”

The policy has already been criticised because the new rules apply equally to parish councillors. At Whitbourne Parish Council on the Worcestershire and Herefordshire border, clerk Keith Butler said members would “walk away” over it last month.

He said many parish councillors felt threatened with prosecution unless they could master every detail of the changes, and that they were being branded “criminals”.

The county council has also agreed a new code of conduct in light of the Localism Act, and is offering new training to all 57 politicians on what is expected of them. They were told on Thursday that they have 28 days fill out new forms complying with the rules.