Initially Cllr Harris, who owns the properties, resisted stepping down. He said: “I don’t think there is any need to. However around 6pm this evening (Thursday) a statement was issued from Cllr Harris. Cllr Harris will no longer sit as a Reform councillor and will be sitting as an Independent member while this matter is investigated. I want to thank Cllr Harris for the service given in the Chairman’s role.