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Shepway Liberal Democrats have accepted a request from Hawkinge Councillors Peter and Christena Smith to suspend their membership of the Liberal Democrats. 

In a letter to Shepway Local Party Chair Tim Prater on Saturday, the couple wrote: "We have been informed the Council is continuing to investigate an apparent over-payment of Peter's benefits. The issue appears to be how these benefits sit alongside the allowance that he receives as a sitting District Councillor. 

"We are in receipt of benefits but have always sought to be totally open about our financial affairs with the Council. Indeed, we completed a great deal of the paperwork associated with these matters with the help of Council Officers. Any overpayment is the result of error made in good faith rather than any other reason. Therefore, we are confident that Peter will be vindicated in this process.

"However, we both recognise that we have a duty to ensure that these matters do not disrupt the important and on-going work of our colleagues. Therefore, we request that our membership of the local party be suspended until these issues are resolved."

In accepting the suspension request, Tim Prater replied on behalf of the Liberal Democrats: "I recognise how much thought has gone into your decision. As such, the Shepway Lib Dems have accepted your request for suspension until any investigation is concluded, and we have officially notified both the South East Region Party and Party Headquarters of that decision.

"I hope and expect that Peter is fully vindicated at the earliest opportunity, at which point we will be delighted to immediately lift the suspension."

While a suspension remains in force, Peter and Christena will be suspended from both Party membership and the Lib Dem group on Shepway District Council.