A COUNCILLOR was appearing in court today after being suspended by his party over fraud allegations.

Clr Tony Brice was set to face housing benefit fraud charges.

The Lindley Conservative was appearing at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court after 10am today.

Last night Kirklees Council Tory leader Clr Robert Light revealed that Brice was suspended from the party last month.

He said: "We were advised of the council’s intention to take legal action against Clr Brice and as a result he was suspended from the Conservative Group.

"The suspension came into place on October 20, but was not made public as we cannot be seen to influencing any legal process.