Former Golders Green member quits two days before being kicked off council (From Times Series)

Former Golders Green member quits two days before being kicked off council

4:09pm Thursday 14th January 2010

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A COUNCILLOR has resigned his seat on Barnet council after spending the last six months in Australia while claiming his £800-a-month allowance.

Former Golders Green councillor Chris Harris was kicked out of the Conservative party in October after infuriating colleagues by continuing to claim £800-a-month allowances after leaving the UK in July.

However, under council standing orders he would have been stripped of his seat today as it is now six months since he last attended a council meeting.

When he spoke to the Times Series in October he said he “regretted” not cancelling the allowance, which is paid into each member's bank accounts monthly.

He added they left the UK for “family reasons” after losing his job.

His seat will not be filled until the full council elections in May.

What do you think of the decision to resign? Leave your comments below.

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