Councillors in Lichfield and Burntwood have been told to do their jobs or face the axe.
The warning comes from Lichfield District Council leader Cllr Mike Wilcox after a report revealed poor attendance at meetings before the election.
The report from an independent remuneration panel to be discussed at a meeting of the local authority this evening revealed that the there were five councillors who had attended less than half of meetings, while a further six had attended less than 75 per cent.
And Cllr Wilcox promised action would be taken if standards slipped again.
“We can’t hide the fact that during the last six months of our administration attendance at committee meetings was very poor.
“I’ve addressed that with the group of Conservative councillors. I told them that they have the trust of the electorate so they have to make sure they attend all their meetings and put in the work.
“If they don’t do that then what is the point in being here?”
Cllr Wilcox’s comments echo those of Labour opposition group leader, Cllr Sue Woodward, who said too many representatives had been “going along for the ride”.
And the Conservative leader insisted the consequences of anyone not pulling their weight would be severe.
“We will certainly ensure attendance is much better,” he said. “People who don’t will be brought to book.
“If they aren’t able to do the job expected of them they’ll be suspended, there will be by-elections and they’ll be out.”
