A WINCHESTER city councillor has said he is considering standing down.

It comes after local rumour that Harry Verney, who represents Cheriton and Bishop’s Sutton, near Alresford, and is elected until 2018, wants to give up the post.

The Conservative told the Chronicle: “I have not given any notice on that yet and I haven’t totally made up my mind, I might but I might not.

“I’m at an age where I have not wanted to do another five years so I’m thinking that I might go this year instead of next.”

Mr Verney said the decision is not politically motivated.

“It’s purely personal that I want to spend less time in Hampshire and more time with friends elsewhere. There’s a time when it’s right to perhaps stand down.”

In August the councillor raised ideas about Hampshire residents paying a one-off levy to help those affected by floods and in July he campaigned against anti-social motorcycling.