ATTEMPTS are being made to kick a Worcestershire councillor out of the Conservative Party after an internal row.

An executive board has voted to expel Councillor Stephen Clee from the Tories after falling out with the party’s rank-and-file in the Wyre Forest.

Although the party will not reveal why, sources told your Worcester News it was for “several reasons”, including not delivering Tory leaflets around the area when asked to do so.

Coun Clee is a former cabinet member for corporate services at Worcestershire County Council , and also sits on Wyre Forest District Council , where he is chairman.

The executive committee of the Wyre Forest Conservative Association, which has the power to expel people from the party, met on Friday night and voted to throw him out.

He has been given 14 days to appeal the ruling, and remains a Tory until then, but if it stands he will become an independent councillor with immediate affect.

Although the association was yet to release a statement as your Worcester News went to press, a source said: “It was a very close vote but yes, he’s been kicked out – he’s been a hard-working councillor but unless he appeals, he won’t be with us much longer.”

Despite repeated calls from your Worcester News he did not respond yesterday. He still has the support of the ruling Conservative group at Worcestershire County Council, which was not part of the decision.

The Tories at County Hall may yet decide to keep him in the group, even if he is forced to become an independent.

Coun Adrian Hardman, the leader, said: “I had a message on Friday telling me the vote had gone against him.

“It’s a matter entirely for that association but as far as I am concerned, he’s a hard-working councillor and I support him.”