Tory resigns over euthanasia row

Councillor Jackson said his comment was "misplaced humour"

A Conservative councillor has resigned his seat after suggesting euthanasia as a way to cut the cost of caring for vulnerable children.

Hugh Jackson, Monkseaton North member, was already suspended by his party over the remark made last week.

But on Monday, the council was told he was stepping down. A by-election will be arranged at a later date, a North Tyneside Council spokesperson said.

Mr Jackson was not available for comment but had previously apologised.

An investigation by the council into the matter will now be concluded.

North Tyneside Conservative Party would not comment on the resignation but in a statement issued last week it said the remark was "totally unacceptable."

It continued: "While Councillor Jackson has apologised for his comments, made recently at a finance sub-committee, local Conservatives support the decision to report him to the Standards Board."

His membership with the party has remained suspended.