West Lindsey District Council leader is taking a step back from his role

The council confirmed on Coun Giles McNeill had stepped back, and chief executive Ian Knowles said it was “so that he can deal with some personal challenges”.

A spokesman has also since confirmed that Councillor McNeill has not resigned from his post, but could not say for how long this would be.

Deputy leader Owen Bierley will cover the leader’s duties until further notice.

We tried to contact Councillor McNeill but he did not respond.

Sheila Bibb, deputy chairman of the association, said: “We can confirm that Councillor Giles McNeill has been suspended by the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association.

“This is a neutral act taken to protect the interests of both parties.”

Mr McNeill was the organising secretary of the Gainsborough Conservative Association but gave notice of his desire to retire in June 2019. He finally left in August of this year.

According to his LinkedIn, Councillor McNeill had been a part of the association for more than ten years.

Tweeting about his departure, he said he had left the association “in a very much better state than when I arrived”.

He also acted as communications manager for Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh, but also recently left that role.

A spokesman for Edward Leigh confirmed Councillor McNeill was not currently working for his office.

Asked for a statement, they said: “Sir Edward is not making any comments at this time.”

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