Ex-Dudley mayor in porn shame is now stepping down
A shamed former mayor who viewed pornography on his council computer has revealed he will step down from the authority – less than a week after vowing he would remain as councillor despite the controversy.
Councillor Ray Burston was issued with a formal warning at a Dudley Council standards sub-committee meeting after admitting to visiting the adult websites.
It was the second time he had been reprimanded for viewing pornography after being warned by former Conservative group and council leader David Caunt around 10 years ago.
Following the sub-committee's warning, Councillor Burston, who has sat on the authority for 21 years over two stints, vowed to continue as councillor for Hayley Green and Cradley South.
But he now says he has taken the decision to step down as a councillor when his office in term expired next year.
He also voluntarily resigned the Conservative whip – in doing so becoming an independent councillor.
He said: "I have today informed the Leader of the Conservative Group on Dudley Council of my decision to voluntarily resign the Conservative whip in order to spare the party further embarrassment or criticism on account of my actions.
"In addition, I shall not be seeking re-election as a candidate for Hayley Green and Cradley South when my current term of office expires next year."
He added: "I can only reaffirm to them my deep remorse, and to take this opportunity to thank them the support they have given me during my 21 years as their local councillor.
"I would also like to pay tribute to all those people I have worked with as an elected member during that time – including dedicated fellow councillors from both sides of the council chamber."
Following the statement, the Conservative leader on the council, Councillor Patrick Harley, said the right decision had been made.
He said: "Everyone is allowed to make a mistake, but you have to learn from it – but when I found it was not the first time Councillor Burston had been warned, I'm afraid there was only one way this could go.
"He has fallen on his own sword. It is sad for him, he has not done anything illegal, but he has broken the council code of conduct, and for that he has paid the ultimate price.
"It should serve as a reminder to all members on both sides of the council that no-one should flout the code."
Councillor Burston has said he will donate the remainder of his council members allowances to the Mayor of Dudley's charities.
