Lib Dems keep up pressure on law-breaking councillor Martin Hatley to resign

Ampfield and Braishfield councillor Martin Hatley was prosecuted by Test Valley Borough Council - the authority he sits on. He breached a notice ordering him to remove building materials, goods and 20ft storage containers - leading to a criminal conviction and £1,000 fine. Liberal Democrats are calling for Cllr Hatley - a former mayor and vice-chairman of the planning committee - to resign.

The Tory deputy leader said a resignation would trigger a by-election costing £6,000 or end up with the seat vacant until May.

Liberal Democrat chair David Hall said: "Martin Hatley is Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee on Test Valley Council and has many years of experience in dealing with planning matters.Despite this, he was successfully prosecuted by the very council he is meant to represent. It beggars belief that he still believes it is appropriate for him to continue as a councillor. Our area has a good history of public servants acting with integrity, and despite what is happening at a national level, it is vital that we protect that record here in Hampshire.I was therefore disappointed that the local Conservative party rejected our offer to jointly call for Cllr Hatley to resign and seem happy to see him continue as a councillor. This is another example of taking their position and the people of Test Valley for granted and I hope they reconsider.

"In order to preserve trust in local politics, the Liberal Democrats are calling on Cllr Hatley to resign with immediate effect and to allow the people of Ampfield & Braishfield the opportunity to choose their representative in a by-election.

"Cllr Hatley has let himself, his party and the residents of Test Valley down. He must now do the decent thing and resign."