AN OUTSPOKEN councillor facing disciplinary action over allegations he tried to influence planning decisions in favour of his developer friends claims he is the subject of a witch-hunt.

It is alleged Hadleigh Tory Bill Sharp, a freemason, failed to tell council officials of his friendships with multi-millionaire fellow mason Gordon Sanders and Susan King, a director of construction company Pemican.

Mr Sharp, a former chairman of the planning committee, attended meetings relating to planning applications from both developers back in 2007.

It was originally alleged by a council officer that he tried to influence council officers’ decisions.

A confidential report into the claims by the Standards Board for England, which investigates alleged wrongdoing by councillors, has been seen by the Echo.

See today's Echo for full details