'Vote-rigging' councillor resigns

Councillor John Astley has been arrested by police in Holland

A councillor being investigated by the police over allegations of vote-rigging has resigned from his political party.

John Astley, who represents the Lawrence Hill ward on Bristol City Council, announced his decision to quit the Liberal Democrat party on Thursday.

Mr Astley, 38, was arrested in August after allegations of irregularities in the proxy voting system during the May local elections.

He skipped bail earlier this month and fled to Holland, where he was arrested last week. An extradition hearing for him to be returned to Britain has been set for 12 November.

'Honourable position'

His decision to resign from the Lib Dems has been welcomed by Councillor Barbara Janke, the leader of the Lib Dem group on the city council.

Ms Janke said: "This is an honourable position for Councillor John Astley to take.

"He feels that it is best for him to cope with his current situation without fear that it will become a political football used by opposition parties which will affect the Lib Dem Group.

"His resignation has been accepted and I wish John all the best for the future."