A Liberal Democrat councillor is facing calls to resign after a picture mocking the disabled and comparing them to Liverpool council’s Labour Party appeared on her Facebook webpage. Councillor Sharon Green has apologised for the picture but claimed she “could not be held responsible”.

Local councils in Northern Ireland have been asked to find the money to fund a huge reform of local government, which would see the 26 local authorities cut to just 11 by next May. The changes are aimed at saving money, but the Northern Ireland Executive has admitted it does not have the money to fund the cost-cutting reforms.

Evidence which would have supported Shetland Island councillor Jonathan Willis’ claim that he had been threatened with violence by then chief executive David Clark was never heard by the panel considering the claim. The evidence that other council execs had heard the threats came to light late yesterday when Standards Commission published a report into the saga.

An East Lindsey councillor has been cleared of improper behaviour after 90-minute inquiry hearing found there had been no breach of conduct. Councillor Colin Davie is the ward representative for Ingoldmells and Addlethorpe, as well as the District Council’s portfolio holder for finance and business. Press and public were excluded from the hearing.