He said: "To be given such a devastating piece of news is totally gutting.

"I put so much effort and time in to this, then this happens.

"The council has moved away from the people and it's run by people who just want nodding dogs, so if you are someone who stands up for individual rights and speak your mind then you're not wanted - you're called a maverick if you don't toe the line.

"I have put life and soul into my work and been totally dedicated to the residents of Northwood Hills and, unlike someone else, I do not believe my £10,400 remuneration is pocket money.

"We do a very privileged job of helping people and should never be contemptuous to them by making comments like that sort of amount is 'pocket money'."

He said he was told his age was taken into account.

"It's a joke to talk about age. I'm 54. There's lots of things within this process that I will be investigating."