DISGRACED councillor Andrew Draper has resigned from Waveney District Council.

His resignation follows his conviction for drink driving and assaulting a police officer in August.

Following his convictions Mr Draper, 37, who represents Worlingham, stepped down from the ruling Conservative group and became an independent councillor.

A statement released this morning by Mr Draper said: “I have today tendered my resignation as a Waveney District Councillor with immediate effect.

“I have given this much thought and, in light of recent events, have reached the conclusion that it would not be in my, or the council’s, best interests to remain.

“I would like to thank the people of Worlingham who elected me as their ward councillor and extend my very best wishes to them, and to the council as a whole, for the future.”

Leader of the council Colin Law said: “Andrew Draper has reached the conclusion that it is no longer appropriate for him to remain as a Councillor. It was always a decision for him alone to make and I both accept, and agree, that this is the right thing for him to do.”

Mr Draper’s resignation from the council has triggered a by-election, details of which will be announced at a later date by the Waveney District Council.