“I moved to Sidmouth in Devon in April last year for personal reasons. In that time, I have continued to work hard for the people of Keynsham.

“I attend public meetings at the Guildhall and deal with residents’ queries whenever I am required to, and I claim no travel costs for doing so.

“I will be standing down next May but I see no reason to expect local taxpayers to fork out more than £5,000 for a by-election while I am able to continue to perform my role as a councillor perfectly well.”