Calls have been made for a senior Malvern councillor to lose her position as a portfolio holder on the district council.

But Beverley Nielsen has been cleared of breaching the council’s code of conduct and says she is dedicated to her role.

We reported earlier this month that Cllr Nielsen had been cleared by Malvern Hills District Council’s monitoring officer after referring herself for investigation.

Malvern Gazette: LETTER: Jeremy Owenson and other councillors have signed a letter calling for Cllr Nielsen to lose her portfolio holder roleLETTER: Jeremy Owenson and other councillors have signed a letter calling for Cllr Nielsen to lose her portfolio holder role (Image: Jeremy Owenson)

Cllr Nielsen, the portfolio holder for economic development and tourism, had introduced a report at an executive committee meeting in January that included the award of £1,935 to Boundless Outdoors, a company she helped set up.

Now Conservative group leader Jeremy Owenson, Sarah Rouse of the Malvern Hills Independent Group and Lib Dem Paul Bennett have written to council leader Tom Wells asking that Cllr Nielsen be dropped as a portfolio holder.

“Many new councillors were elected for the first time last year, and many are very serious and dedicated about delivering improvements for our residents,” they wrote.

“That is why it is so disappointing that Cllr Beverley Nielsen admits to not fully reading council papers, and indeed press releases issued in her name,” adding that this could suggest a “lack of interest” in the role.

“We have three years left of our term to deliver for our residents,” they wrote. “We believe that Beverley should step aside and allow a fresh councillor, who will be diligent and dedicated, to take over the role.”

Cllr Nielsen said: “Having been cleared of any breach of the code of conduct by our monitoring officer, I have openly acknowledged my error and apologised.

“This has highlighted to me, once again, the importance of taking more time over our documents and reports.

“I am dedicated to my work as a councillor and to our wonderful district of Malvern and will make every effort to ensure this does not happen again.”

Cllr Wells is set to name his portfolio holders for the coming 12 months at a full council meeting on Tuesday, May 14.

Cllr Wells said: “Beverley has apologised for the error she made. She is a hardworking councillor with a real passion for the people and places within her ward. Beverley will remain part of my portfolio holder team.”

Please note. This article has been updated with a quote from councillor Tom Wells.