ONE of Bolton's best-known councillors is threatening to quit politics after being reported to the Standards Board by his colleagues.

Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment and housing strategy at Bolton Council, was reported by six councillors on Westhoughton Town Council - of which he is also leader - following a complaint made by the town clerk, Christine Morris.

The Standards Board, a government agency which monitors ethical standards of local authorities and adjudicates in disputes, has not decided it will investigate the allegation but if Cllr Wilkinson is found to have breached its code of conduct he could be barred from holding office in either council for anything up to five years.

Members of the council say they are prevented from revealing exact details of the allegations against Cllr Wilkinson as they took the decision to refer the matter at a confidential meeting held in the absence of the press and public.

Cllr Wilkinson has vowed to clear his name but Bolton Council could be thrown into a constitutional crisis if sanctions are taken against him which force a by-election.

The Liberal Democrats were chosen to form their second administration on Bolton Council last month by virtue of the one seat lead they have over Labour, with the Tories two behind on 19.

As executive member for environment and housing strategy, Cllr Wilkinson is responsible for decisions relating to economic development, transport policy, regeneration outside the town centre and housing policy.

He has served on Westhoughton Council since 1985 and since then has spent a number of different spells as its leader. He has also been a Bolton councillor for 14 years.

But he has promised not to walk out on the council until the next election in May 2006.

Cllr Wilkinson said: "I will vigorously contest these accusations and am hopeful I will be cleared.

"I will then take legal advice and consider my future in politics."

It is the third time Cllr Wilkinson has been reported to the standards board. Two previous complaints were been thrown out.

Six councillors voted to refer the matter to the Standards Board, independent Brian Clare, Labour's David Chadwick, Joe Hayes, who has defected from the Lib Dems to Labour, and Lib Dem councillors John Ainscombe, Arthur Price and Jim Gilfillan.

Five others were either absent or did not back the move.

Cllr Gilfillan said: "This is now an issue for the standards board and I do not want to prejudice any investigation as I maybe called as a witness.

"We felt we had to report the matter to the standards board or we could be reported ourselves."

Cllr David Chadwick said: "We have decided to ask for advice from the standards board but I cannot comment any more at this time."