A COUNCILLOR today defended his decision to remain in office - even though he has moved 120 miles from Basildon to Lincolnshire.
Doubts have been raised over former Basildon Council chairman Joe White's effectiveness at the job after he sold his home in Nethermayne this summer and moved to Margaret Thatcher's home town of Grantham.
The Lib Dem, who serves on the housing committee, now makes weekly return trips to the district and is able to claim around £96 expenses for each visit.
Mr White, who has had continuous service since 1987, admitted he could not carry out the job to the "high standards" he sets himself, but said he is still doing a "fair job" compared with others.
He has missed just one meeting since the move.
Published Tuesday, November 22, 2005
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