Labour councillor is suspended 'after police found hundreds of pounds worth of former legal high meow meow in his flat'

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A Labour councillor has been suspended after police found hundreds of pounds worth of the drug meow meow in his flat. 

Tom Neilson, 32, was arrested alongside his 26-year-old lodger after police raided the property in Measham, Leicestershire, last month. 

They were both held on suspicion of possessing the former legal high - which was made illegal in 2010 - with intent to supply.

Tom Neilson (left), 32, was arrested alongside his 26-year-old lodger after police raided the property last month and found hundreds of pounds worth of the drug meow meow (right) 

If charged and convicted of dealing the Class B drug - also known as Mephedrone or MCat - he could face up to 14 years in jail.

Yesterday East Midlands Labour Party revealed Mr Neilson had been suspended pending an internal inquiry.

Mr Neilson describes himself on Twitter as a 'common trouble-maker, party fiend and gentleman'. He declined to talk about his arrest today. 

Mr Neilson, a call centre manager, had represented the Measham South ward on North West Leicestershire District Council since 2011. He resigned from his council seat last week, citing 'personal reasons'.

He had also been the leader of the authority's Labour opposition group until he stepped down in October because of work commitments.

Leicestershire Police said the councillor was arrested after residents in his own ward tipped off police. 

Inspector Helena Bhakta added: 'This warrant was executed as a result of local people raising their concerns to us about drug dealing.

'We have a zero tolerance approach to drugs and will continue to carry out operations of this nature and will not tolerate drug dealing or drug misuse of any sort. Drug misuse can cause communities a huge amount of harm.

'I would encourage anyone with any concerns about this type of activity in their area to get in touch with us, so we can take action.

'Our aim is to always disrupt the distribution of drugs, which we hope will have a knock-on effect on the community.' 

Conservative North West Leicestershire District Council leader councillor Richard Blunt described Mr Neilson as a 'decent human being'.

'In his time as leader of the Labour group he was very honourable. I rated him very highly and, whatever else has happened, he is a loss to local government,' he said. 

One of his neighbours, who did not wish to be named, added: 'Tom is a popular and active member of the local community so everyone was quite surprised to hear he had been arrested.

'He did enjoy a good night out like any young man. He loved a party but he was very ambitious and hard-working.

'He was considered a real up-and-coming talent in local government. This could leave his political career hopes in ruins.'

The two men have been released on bail until March whilst officers conduct further inquiries. 

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