COUNTY council leader Nick Clarke sacked a former leader, Shona Johnstone, by mobile phone from her role with the Local Government Association saying the organisation was no place for “exiles”.

In an email sent to her from his Blackberry, Cllr Clarke said he was keen “that it is Cabinet members that act up to the LGA where ever possible so that the council is fully represented.

“The LGA must not be seen as a place for exiles if it is to be effective.”

Despite Cllr Johnstone having played a significant role within the umbrella body of local government – including vice chairmanship of the key economic and transport board- Cllr Clarke decided she must go.

“Having taken soundings it is my intention to nominate myself, Mac (his deputy Mac McGuire) and Martin Curtis (Cabinet member for adult services)” he told her.

“I am therefore unable to support your nomination for the LGA boards.

“I know you have worked hard, as an individual, at the LGA. I am sure

you have done your best to represent Cambridgeshire’s thinking at the LGA

and can understand how difficult that must have been not being in

Cabinet.

“We now need a corporate approach rather than relying on any single

individual.”

Meanwhile Cllr Johnstone continues her campaign to become the Tory party candidate for Cambs police commissioner.

She is on a short list of three from whom Conservatives will select their candidate to go forward to November’s elections.

The 50 year-old councillor is due to appear in court on August 28 to face a criminal damage charge which she denies.

She is facing pressure from the Crown Prosecution Service – which she is contesting- for the case to be delayed after a witness claimed they had booked a holiday for that period.

She was not available for comment today.