A COUNCILLOR who has been convicted of beating his wife could retain his seat.

Waltham Forest Council says Imran Abrahim, who is yet to be sentenced after being found guilty of common assault on Thursday, may not be suspended because its code of conduct does not extend to representatives' private lives.

A council statement said Abrahim's status as a councillor would only be affected if he is given a prison sentence of more than three months, including a suspended sentence.

A spokeswoman said: "Councillors have a clear code of conduct which is regulated by the Standards Board for England and the council's Standards Committee.

"Cllr Abrahim conviction relates to his conduct in his private life. Currently, the code of conduct does not apply to members' private lives."

Abrahim, elected as Liberal Democrat member for Forest Ward in May last year, had the party whip withdrawn when he was charged with the offence.