Councillor fined, banned from public office over bogus signature on nomination paper

A long-serving councillor at Kings Lynn & West Norfolk has been removed from office for using a bogus signature on his nomination paper for last May’s election.

The Lynn News has reported that David Pope was ordered to pay more than £3,500 in fines and costs and banned from public office for five years by local magistrates. He has resigned as a councillor.

Mr Pope had hoped to get an acquaintance to sign his nomination paper but the man concerned was absent and his son signed instead, although he later said he could not recall doing so.

The incident came to light when the local Conservative agent challenged the nomination form.

Mr Pope had for many years been a Conservative councillor but this year stood as an independent, defeating his former party.

Mark Smulian