A WINCHESTER city councillor who was fired from a garage after stealing money has been rejected by the city’s Conservative group after he attempted to rejoin them.

James Byrnes, who is currently an independent councillor for Wonston and Micheldever, is facing re-election in the local elections which are taking place in May.

As previously reported, Cllr Byrnes stood down from the ruling Conservative group after the Chronicle uncovered that he had been fired from his job at garage.

The former cabinet member was investigated by police after an allegation that he had stolen £180 from the Budgens shop at Williams Garage in Main Road, Otterbourne.

The former Winchester Prison officer, who previously held the portfolio for transport and professional services, had been set to stand for the Hampshire County Council elections in the Itchen Valley division last year, but dropped out.

No criminal charges were brought as the matter was resolved through a community resolution order – which can only be applied where there is an admission of guilt. It is not a conviction or a caution.

Now, the Chronicle has learnt that following an application by Cllr Byrnes, Winchester Conservatives voted to stop him rejoining.

It is not yet clear whether Cllr Byrnes plans to stand as an independent in May. The Chronicle has approached him for comment, but had not received a response at the time of going to press.

As previously reported, the city’s Liberal Democrat group called on him to resign as a councillor. Cllr Martin Tod said: “He’s clearly got to go. This isn’t acceptable for anyone in public office.

“It also raises questions about the Winchester Conservatives. When did they know?

“Was this the real reason they didn’t run Mr Byrnes as a candidate?

At last month’s full council meeting in Winchester Guildhall, Cllr Tod was told by mayor Cllr David McLean to withdraw comments he made towards Cllr Byrnes while he was speaking. It is not clear what Cllr Tod said, but it caused outrage among a number of Conservative colleagues.

A spokeswoman for Winchester’s Conservative group told the Chronicle it was in the process of deciding its candidates, who would be announced in due course.

In May 2016, Cllr Byrnes was elected to the council in third place, alongside current Winchester City Council leader Caroline Horrill (second) and portfolio holder for financial services Stephen Godfrey (first). Only Cllr Byrnes is up for election this year, with Cllr Horrill and Cllr Godfrey facing the polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Cllr Caroline Horrill declined to comment.