THE Mayor of Portland, who was arrested on suspicion of theft, has returned to his role and vowed to remain unless he is found guilty.

Richard Paisley was arrested in December and remains on police bail while inquiries continue.

Mr Paisley, who represents Tophill West on Portland Town Council, has protested his innocence throughout the investigation.

Officers turned up at his business – Paisley Plant Hire in Portland Port – as part of their investigations into the removal of a generator from the port.

He was then arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed without charge.

He made the decision to hand over the reins to deputy mayor David Thurston, but now says he should have stayed.

Mr Paisley said: “I’ve taken over as mayor again.

“I did not need to step down in the first place so I’ve taken the reins back on and knocked them back into shape.

“I’ve decided to take it back on because it’s my place and I’ve not done anything wrong.

“I’ve not been charged with anything so there was no need for me to step down, so I’m back.”

Mr Paisley was not asked by the council to step down in December and will be carrying out his official duties again this week.

He has remained interested in issues on the island during his absence.

Mr Paisley said he supported the proposed Portland power plant as a businessman. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council approved the plant in Portland Port with a one-vote majority.

Mr Paisley said he is due to answer his bail on February 12 and fully expects to be released without charge when police conclude their inquiries either on or after that date.

And he is planning to stay on as mayor whatever the result.

He added: “The only time I would step down again is if I was proved guilty in a court of law.

“I won’t stand down for anything else now and I should not have stepped down last time.

“The council did not want me to step down, but I had nothing to hide so I did what I felt was the right thing at the time.”