disqualification

Their disqualification has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the 25 October vote and has sparked fears of instability.

"David Graham should have resigned as a councillor as soon as he was convicted, if not before, and his disqualification will be welcomed across the council."

Drivers were issued with tickets for a variety of motoring offences, including driving with no insurance, no driving licence, disqualification, false documentation and the use of fraudulent number plates.

Another source doubted that this was the motivation - instead saying they felt the initial disqualification was driven by Williams' closeness to Jeremy Miles.

If businesses fail to carry out such checks, they could face hefty penalties, including fines of up to £60,000 per worker, business closures, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.