A WINCHESTER councillor has apologised for claiming a Liberal Democrat colleague would be dropped at next year's election over his vote for a controversial housing scheme.

Cllr Jane Rutter has withdrawn claims that fellow Kings Worthy member Robert Johnston would be deselected after he backed housebuilding on Top Field.

MORE: Fury after village councillor backs controversial development

The scheme was approved at last week's planning committee despite opposition from three quarters of village residents. Cllr Johnston joined fellow Lib Dem Jamie Scott and three Conservatives in supporting the project.

After the meeting last week, an angry Cllr Rutter told a member of the public that Cllr Johnston would not have been selected "on the basis" of his decision were he not retiring at the next election.

Cllr Rutter had accused the committee of "riding roughshod" over the results of a public consultation.

In a statement over the weekend, she said: "Local planning is a very emotive issue and in the heat of the moment I spoke out of turn.

"Robert did what he thought was right and that is his duty as a councillor. Robert has served Kings Worthy for many years, has a wealth of experience as a councillor, and I have always valued his knowledge and judgment.

"The implication that doing his duty would affect selection as a candidate was wrong and I have apologised to him personally and withdraw my comments about this unreservedly."

Responding to criticism online, Cllr Johnston said: "I am not ashamed to show face in Kings Worthy as a long serving member of the Winchester City Council planning committee. I arrive at a decision in accordance with the facts presented in the report and apply the members code of conduct."