A disgraced former Tory Lord Mayor who TWICE admitted watching porn on a council computer has “fallen on his own sword” by quitting the party.
Councillor Ray Burston was slapped with a formal warning when he confessed to downloading lewd images.
Shockingly, it was the second time Cllr Burston – nicknamed ‘Randy Ray’ by his constituents – was caught using council equipment to view pornography.
Yesterday he confirmed he will stand down as a councillor for the Hayley Green and Cradley South ward at Dudley Council when his term of office ends next year.
Cllr Burston, who is the former Lord Mayor of Dudley, said: “I have informed the Leader of the Conservative Group on Dudley Council of my decision to voluntarily resign the Conservative whip in order to spare the party further embarrassment or criticism on account of my actions.
“I can only reaffirm to them my deep remorse, and to take this opportunity to thank them [my constituents] for the support they have given me during my 21 years as their local councillor.”
Conservative leader Patrick Harley welcomed Cllr Burston’s resignation, saying he had “fallen on his own sword.”
He said: “Everyone is allowed to make a mistake, but you have to learn from it – but when I found it was not the first time Councillor Burston had been warned [about viewing pornography on council computers] I’m afraid there was only one way this could go.
“He has fallen on his own sword. It is sad for him, he has not done anything illegal, but he has broken the council code of conduct, and for that he has paid the ultimate price.
“It should serve as a reminder to all members on both sides of the council that no-one should flout the code.”
