A former councillor who lost his seat after failing to turn up to a single council meeting for six months was paid £18,888 and may be able to earn the same amount again after putting himself forward to stand in the by-election he triggered.

John Allen was elected to represent Ashington's Hirst ward on Northumberland County Council in May 2025.

The authority said Allen, alongside every one of its elected councillors that year, had been paid the sum to cover duties, constituency work, postage and stationery.

It said it had no powers to reclaim the money and the by-election's successful candidate, even if it was Allen again, would also be paid £18,888. Allen has been approached for comment.

Former Reform UK member Allen was expelled from the party in 2025 following allegations he made online comments saying he wanted to shoot the then Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

He lost his seat on Northumberland County Council on 20 August after failing to attend any council meetings or sub-committees since February 18.

The council said Allen had only been paid for one year of work.

Polls for the by-election open on 1 October with Allen running as an Independent.

The other candidates are Calvin Clark for the Liberal Democrats, Kerry Davison for Reform UK, David Ferguson for the Conservative Party, Melanie Fox for Labour and Eden Webley for Restore.

The Conservatives are currently the county council's largest party with 28 seats.

Reform are the official opposition with 18 seats, followed by Labour with eight.

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