Police can be councillors, Govt says

The Government does not support a proposed ban on police holding local government positions and the clause is likely to be removed from a bill before Parliament.

It was reported three weeks ago that the Policing Bill would bar police from holding such positions.

National MP Kate Wilkinson asked Police Minister Annette King, who appeared before the law and order select committee yesterday, why police would be prevented from holding such positions.

Ms King said the bill as introduced did not include the ban and it was inserted by the select committee.

The Police Association said the proposal was ridiculous and unjustified.