DORSET County Council’s leader will continue to receive his full allowance during his six-week absence from the top job, it has been confirmed.

Cllr Spencer Flower announced earlier this week he would “step aside” from the leadership for an initial six weeks after he was charged with three criminal offences. But he remains as council leader.

Deputy leader Cllr Robert Gould will fulfil Cllr Flower’s duties during this six-week period, but has not been designated acting leader.

Records show Cllr Flower received a basic allowance and special responsibility allowance of £38,596.36 in 2013/14 plus authorised mileage of £4,491.00. He is also entitled to £4,071 as an East Dorset councillor.

When the Echo asked DCC whether he was continuing to draw his full allow-ance since stepping aside, the response was: “The county council constitution allows the leader a break of up to six weeks, during which he or she will continue to receive the special responsibility allowance – for example, if the leader is ill or on holiday.

“If Cllr Flower is unable to fulfil his normal duties after this six-week period then the situation would have to be be review-ed.”

This will have to be done by a special meeting of the full council.

Cllr Flower, 72, of Verwood, has been charged by police with three offences of failing to declare an interest regarding property planning in East Dorset.

He is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates on December 2.

Suspended from Conservative Group

CLLR Spencer Flower remains leader of Dorset County Council but has been suspended from the Conservative group, it has emerged.

He has been suspended in line with group rules as he has been charged with a criminal offence.

The same rules state that a member charged with a criminal offence can be reinstated provided they are acquitted or charges are dropped. Conservative members were informed of the decision by group secretary David Jones.

Mr Jones told the Echo: “It’s not that we have all got together and decided to suspend him; the rules say a member charged with a criminal offence is automatically suspended.

“It’s a Conservative central office mandated rule, we have no discrimination. I have notified the members.”

Dorset County Council said any decision to suspend Cllr Flower was a matter for the Conservative group.

A spokesman added: “The leader of the county council is elected for a four-year term by all members following the council elections.

“Under our constitution, Cllr Flower remains leader of the council unless or until the full council decides otherwise.”