Benefit fraud councillor nominated for Stafford deputy mayor
A former Labour councillor who was convicted of benefit fraud has been nominated to become the deputy mayor of Stafford.
Ian Hollinshead, who is now an independent councillor, was nominated for the position at a full council meeting this week.
The councillor was overpaid around £6,600 in housing and council tax benefits after failing to declare changes in his employment.
Following his conviction last July, he remained a councillor on both the district and county council and paid back the money in full.
He represents Stafford North on the county council and Littleworth ward on the borough council.
He stepped down from the Labour party last month saying he wanted to show allegiance with hospital supporters.
If successfully re-elected in May he could be take the role of deputy mayor later this year.
He said: "It is an honour to be nominated and if I am fortunate to be in that position, I will do it to the best of my ability but for now I am concentrating on my campaign."
Conservative councillor Peter Jones was also nominated for the role of mayor during the meeting.
The Eccleshall ward councillor will officially take on the role for 12 months, if appointed.
Council spokesman Will Conaghan said: "It is for the group leaders to choose appointments for committees. The independent group has more members than previously so they are entitled to greater representation on the various committees.
