Statement

In response to Conservative questions over former Cllr Gill Jenkins resignation, Shepway Lib Dem's Local Party Chair John Hughes said

"In February Gill Jenkins spoke confidentially with the Leader of the Lib Dem Group at Shepway, Cllr Linda Cufley to discuss a matter relating to Mrs Jenkins' family. Shortly after this, Mrs Jenkins submitted her resignation as a District Councillor."

"Because the matter discussed related to a member of Mrs Jenkins' family, rather than Mrs Jenkins herself, it was felt that it was not appropriate for us to comment publicly on this highly personal matter. Further, we believe it would have been irresponsible to comment on a matter that was likely to go through the courts'."

"We understand that Mrs Jenkins was never charged with any offence herself. However, Housing Benefit Fraud is a very serious matter and we believe that Mrs Jenkins took the appropriate action by resigning her seat."

"We do believe that we have handled this issue correctly at all times. We would ask the Conservative Party to stop trying to make political mischief out of what is essentially a personal matter".