A COUNCILLOR has resigned from her role on City of York Council’s executive.

Cllr Helen Douglas, Conservative councillor for Strensall, stepped down as executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods at the weekend.

Leader of City of York Council Cllr Ian Gillies said she offered her resignation ahead of calls yesterday from the Labour group for her to step down.

He said: “Cllr Douglas offered her resignation over the weekend, which I accepted earlier today. I have thanked Helen for her work and she has assured me that she will continue to take a full and active part within the Conservative group for the remainder of this administration.”

Leader of the Labour group, Cllr Janet Looker,  said Cllr Douglas had failed to answer questions about her portfolio, housing, at two recent council meetings.

She added that Cllr Douglas received £15,600 for her role on the council executive.

Cllr Looker said: “It’s incredibly disappointing but we need someone holding the housing brief who is committed and who understands the issues.  After being in post for some time now, Cllr Douglas has displayed neither.

“If a councillor is picking up a taxpayer funded allowance, they need to display some sense that they are interested in the issues and that they are accountable to the public.  As it is, councillors don’t feel that they can get any information from Cllr Douglas because she never answers any questions.

“I’ve written to the council leader, who is responsible for executive member appointments, to say we have no confidence in her.  I’d be surprised if the Greens and Liberal Democrats did either but it is the leader who decides.”

Cllr Gillies has appointed Cllr Jenny Brooks, Conservative councillor for Osbaldwick and Derwent, as her replacement.