A PROMINENT councillor has been deselected by his political party.

Conservative Cllr Tom Brindley, who is portfolio holder for planning, transport and enterprise on North Herts District Council (NHDC) and represents the Codicote ward, has appealed the decision.

Deselection means the Conservative party has withdrawn its support of Cllr Brindley at next year’s election.

The reason for this move is unclear, with Cllr Brindley, who was first elected in May 2007, refusing to elaborate.

He said: “I’m still the deputy leader of the Conservative group on North Herts District Council, so there’s no change there.”

When pressed as to whether he is still permitted to stand as a Conservative councillor at the next election, he said: “I can’t comment on that,” adding: “I’m not disputing what you’ve got.

“I don’t believe the correct process for candidate selection has been followed.”

Cllr Brindley is part of NHDC’s Cabinet and chairman of the joint staff consultative committee, as well as sitting on the southern rural committee. He also sits on the board of housing association North Hertfordshire Homes.

Lynda Needham, leader of NHDC, said: “I have no comment at the moment.

“I understand that it’s been passed to central office to have a look at, but while that process is going, I have no comment.”

A spokesman for the Conservative Central Office said: “I’m happy to confirm that this councillor was deselected.

“He has appealed and it’s now in the hands of the local management board, who are looking into it.”

The Conservative party has until the 2014 election to select a replacement candidate for the Codicote seat.

Cllr Brindley will be free to contest the seat at the election as an independent or as a representative of another party.