A BOLTON councillor has been ousted from the Labour Party for three months.

Council colleagues decided to withdraw the party whip from Tonge ward Cllr Paul Perry following complaints that he attacked a campaigner protesting at town hall cuts.

They made their decision that they wanted to discipline Cllr Perry at a behind-closed-doors meeting at the end of last month.

But now it has been confirmed that he is outside the party for three months. Cllr Perry said: "This was a democratic decision which I accept.

"But it does mean that I am treated as a leper for the next three months, when I understand the situation will be reviewed."

Cllr Perry was accused of attacking a campaigner who was collecting signatures against a proposed closure of a 24-hour care scheme.

The decision means that Cllr Perry cannot sit with Labour councillors at meetings.

He is also not allowed to use their members' room in the town hall.

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