Andrew Retter, a Conservative councillor for Northwood Hills, has been suspended.

Tory leader Ray Puddifoot said his colleague had 'gone off the rails.'

Mr Retter was recently told he would not be representing the Conservatives at next May's local elections.

"Andrew is bitter about not being reselected and has for some time now wanted us to react to statements that he has been putting around," said Hillingdon Council leader Mr Puddifoot.

"Whilst on a personal basis we do sympathise with Andrew, his recent actions have fallen well below acceptable standards for a member of the Hillingdon Conservative group.

"We simply do not have the time or the inclination to pander to Andrew’s vanity. He can either shape up and act responsibly, join UKIP or remain an independent councillor for the balance of his time left to serve.”

It is unclear what the comments are that Mr Puddifoot is referring to. Since his suspension, Mr Retter has been quoted once or twice in The Gazette on purely constituency matters.

He has been suspended under Rule 13:13 of the Conservative Party which states: "If, in the opinion of any two of the following – Leader, Deputy Leader or Chief Whip and Secretary of the Conservative group – any member has, or could potentially bring the Conservative Party or group into disrepute, they can by notice in writing be suspended from group membership for a period of up to three months. During the period of suspension the group may be asked to either extend the suspension or consider exclusion from group membership as determined by the group constitution."

Mr Retter told the Gazette this afternoon: "I was asked by the chief whip to a meeting today at 3.30pm but I couldn't make it, so this is the first I've heard of it. It comes as no surprise though.

"Have I been saying things that are untruthful? No.

"This is the beginning of a smearing campaign against me.

"I have had no opportunity to explain myself, they have just suspended me.

"They've been demanding I tell them what I'm doing with my life for the next 12 months but why should I tell them?"

In response to Mr Puddifoot's comments he might join UKIP or stand independently, Mr Retter retorted: "I am a Conservative at heart and they won't change that.

"I joined the Conservatives from the East End of London. I'm not one of these 'silver spoons', like some.

"There's more to life than local government."