A SOUTH Gloucestershire councillor has been suspended from the Labour Party after he admitted being in charge of a vehicle after taking cocaine.
Matt Palmer said he could not remember taking the drug but was suffering mental health problems and taking strong prescription medication at the time of the early-hours incident in July.
Cllr Palmer represents the New Cheltenham ward, which includes the Siston Hill estate.
He pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle while above the limit for a specified controlled drug at Bristol Magistrates Court on November 10, and is due to be sentenced in December.
Cllr Palmer said he would continue to sit as an independent councillor. He has chaired the health overview scrutiny committee this year and used to be a lead councillor for planning.