Gloucestershire County councillor Nick Housden has been suspended by the Conservatives at Shire Hall.

Cllr Housden, who represents Stonehouse, has been suspended from the Tory group after being made aware of allegations against him.

What these allegations are is currently unknown but Cllr Housden is also understood to be moving to the Netherlands.

The former Stroud District Councillor has also resigned from the Carlton Club in Stroud.

He had assumed the role of chairman and manager in March 2023 of the the former Conservative Club in London Road.

“The Conservative Group on Gloucestershire County Council has been made aware of allegations made against Cllr Nick Housden,” a Conservative spokesperson said.

“As a result, we have decided to suspend Cllr Nick Housden until further notice.

"We will not be making any further comments at this time.”

A spokesperson for the Carlton Club also confirmed Cllr Housden has resigned as director.

“The Carlton club committee have accepted the resignation of Chairman Nick Housden with immediate effect.

“The club will move forward and are looking forward to continuing and welcoming members.

“Hope to see you all soon!”

Cllr Housden has been approached for comment.

The makeup of the council is 25 Conservatives, 16 Liberal Democrats, five Greens, five Labour councillors, one Independent Conservative and Cllr Housden.

While the Conservatives are a minority administration it is unlikely they will lose control of the authority before the next elections in May.

Independent Conservative Alastair Chambers votes with the Tory group and the chairman, who can use a casting vote in the case of a vote tie, is Conservative.

Cllr Nick Housden, who represents Stonehouse, at Gloucestershire County Council has been suspended from the Tory group - photo by Clint Randall / GCC