The new police and crime commissioner in Suffolk has caused controversy just days into his new �70,000-a-year job by refusing to quit as a councillor.

Tim Passmore announced his resignation as leader of Mid Suffolk Council on Monday – but his decision to remain as a councillor was attacked by political opponents.

Leader of the opposition Andrew Stringer at Mid Suffolk District Council has claimed he will have a conflict of interests and will not have time to carry out the two jobs.

Mr Stringer said: 'This new role as police commissioner, as far as we are concerned, it's more than a full-time job.

'The role of district councillor is, and can be, quite demanding. I have two roles – district and county councillor – and it's very demanding.'

Mr Passmore said he had received a lot of support for staying on as a councillor.

He said: 'I do not know what Mr Stringer is talking about. I have taken advice and there's no reason to resign. I fundamentally do not agree with him; I will monitor it and see how it develops.

'It's never been a problem in the past and I do not anticipate a problem in the future.'