A UKIP county councillor has threatened his “malicious” critics in Lichfield and Burntwood with legal action.
Jeff Sheriff took the Burntwood South seat on Staffordshire County Council in 2013 with 843 votes.
But since his election the UKIP representative has been subject to what he says are incorrect accusations that he has not represented his residents adequately.
Figures from Staffordshire County Council revealed that in the past 12 months he has attended five of the 13 meetings he could have.
But Cllr Sheriff has said claims made about him are completely untrue and are “politically motivated” and said residents should ignore them.
The former IT consultant said: “Comments have been made via social media, online and through other media regarding my work at Staffordshire County Council.
“They are politically motivated and malicious, suggesting that ‘I’m not working for the residents of my division’ and ‘cannot be contacted’. They are all unfounded and by definition libellous.
“I’ve successfully represented myself in court in the past and, if necessary, will do so again.”
Cllr Sheriff claimed his role meant his focus needed to be across a wider area than just Burntwood.
“As a county councillor, I’ve responsibilities which are county-wide, not simply restricted to my area,” he said. “For example, I was a member of the Fire Authority for over a year before the UK government reduced representation on fire authorities. I’m also a member of three other committees, notably planning and the corporate parenting panel.
“Suggesting that I do nothing for the people of Burntwood South is absurd.
“Shortly after my election as a councillor I was contacted by a woman who said a tree in a nearby school playground had blown down and was half in her garden. I went to see her the same evening and the tree was removed the following day.”
Cllr Sheriff believes his residents should judge his actions when he faces re-election in 2017.
He insists that he has a good local reputation and that he’s known as a man who gets things done.
The UKIP representative continued: “I’ve received calls and emails from local residents I’ve helped, thanking me for my efforts.
“One gentleman rang me to say that he was given my name ‘as someone who gets things done’.
“Another example is last year, at the request of a cabinet member, I co-ordinated a group of councillors and other interested parties with the object of helping Burntwood Community First Responders replace their aged ambulance.
“This campaign was very successful, but not all down to my efforts, of course. I was subsequently invited to the unveiling ceremony of a brand new fully-fitted Skoda 4×4.”
