By Ian Austen

ian.austen@essnmedia.co.uk

The party whip has been withdrawn from Upper Norwood Tory councillor, George Filbey, it has emerged.

The Conservatives have given no details about why the decision has been made.

The Advertiser understands the issue is being dealt with by an internal investigation and there is no police involvement.

The ruling Tory group issued a statement this afternoon (Wednesday) which read: "We regret to inform you that yesterday the leader of the council, Mike Fisher suspended the Conservative Group whip from Cllr George Filbey.

"The leader has recently been made aware of an issue concerning Cllr Filbey that requires further investigation.

"Until such time as this matter has been satisfactorily concluded, the leader has taken the view that it is in the interests of the group that the whip is suspended from Cllr Filbey."