The former leader of West Lindsey District council is to step down as a councillor after admitting fraud

He's yet to be sentenced for his offences

Author: Daniel Jaines Local Democracy reporting service, Julie CastonPublished 27th Oct 2021

Former West Lindsey District Councillor Giles McNeill has stepped down from the authority a month after admitting fraud offences, it has been confirmed.

Mr McNeill, who was kicked out of the Conservative Party, pleaded guilty to a number of offences totalling £31,000 at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court at the end of September and is due to appear before Lincoln Crown Court for sentencing.

His appearance before a judge, due to be Thursday, October 28, has been delayed until November 25.

A statement from Chief Executive of West Lindsey District Council, Ian Knowles said:

“I have received the resignation of Councillor Giles McNeill and as such the council will now carry a vacancy.

“A Notice of Vacancy will be available on the website from today (Wednesday, 27  October).”

Residents had questioned why Councillor McNeill held on to his position as an Independent member for Nettleham after admitting eight theft, fraud and forgery charges totalling ÂŁ31,201.04 from his own party, over a period of six years.

However, a councillor cannot be disqualified until sentence has been passed for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine.

McNeill was leader of the council from May 2019 until announcing in September 2020 he was stepping back from the role for “personal reasons”.

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