MYSTERY surrounds why a Malvern Hills District Councillor was removed from her post in December.

Conservative Councillor Leanne Halling, representing Pickersleigh, is no longer listed as a councillor on the Malvern Hills District Council website after apparently not attending meetings for six months.

It is understood that councillors receive regular reminders if they are absent from meetings and, after six months of non-attendance, the councillor’s seat will automatically become vacant.

Malvern Councillors were told on December 12 that Cllr Halling was no longer a councillor after she had not attended meetings for six months.

No explanation has been given for why Cllr Halling was absent from the meetings, and she has been unavailable for comment.

A spokesman for Malvern Hills District Council said: “Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that a councillor who is absent from all meetings for a period of six consecutive months ceases to be a member of the authority.

“The seat will be left vacant until the elections in May of this year.”

Councillor David Chambers, leader of the Council and of the ruling Conservative group said: “As stated by a Council spokesperson last week, the decision taken by Malvern Hills District Council is in line with current legislation.”

The vacant seat for Pickersleigh will now be filled after elections are held in May.