Council Tories suspend mayor

The Mayor of Lichfield has been suspended from the Conservative Group of Lichfield City Council.

Councillor Michael Fryers appeared at Tamworth Magistrates Court last week and denied attacking a man in a city centre pub.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault following an incident at the Kings Head pub in Lichfield on July 14.

He was granted unconditional bail and will reappear at Tamworth Magistrates Court on October 23.Councillor Fryers, aged 60, and of William Lunns Homes, Stowe Street, Lichfield, is a member of both Lichfield City Council and Lichfield District Council.

Today a statement was issued from the Lichfield City Council Conservative Group.

"At its last meeting (on Aug 23) the group agreed unanimously to suspend Councillor Mike Fryers from the group and to urge him not to undertake Mayoral duties pending the hearing on October 23. This he has agreed to do.

"Both are neutral acts and do not imply any guilt.

"No amplification of this statement will be given," it adds.

Mayoral duties will now continue to be carried out by the city's deputy mayor, as they have been in recent weeks.