A councillor who was sensationally disqualified from office six months ago because of a previous criminal conviction has now been named council chairman after reclaiming his seat in an uncontested election.

Liberal Democrat Alex Slater regained his position on Hazlemere Parish Council earlier this month and says he “hopes to put the past behind him” after being given the council’s top job.

Cllr Slater was kicked-off the council in November after it was discovered he had committed an election offence by standing for office less than five years after receiving a criminal conviction of over six months.

He later apologised for the error saying that he committed driving offences and ‘buried his head in the sand’ when standing for election to the parish council, adding that he was “heartbroken” his mistakes led to him losing his seat.

After being named chairman on Monday, Cllr Slater said: “That’s all behind me, I just want to move on and get the job done.

“It was mentioned by the person who nominated me that it was because of my good work within the community of Hazlemere over the last few years.

“To be honest it was all very shocking and I wasn’t expecting it.”

The 12 members of Hazlemere Parish Council includes seven first-time councillors, with Cllr Slater being one of the most experienced members as he starts his third term.

He added: “I will try my hardest to work for the people of Hazlemere and support my colleagues as well.

“Our main aim is to be a good community council. There were some issues in the past but we want to be able to work with the public to better community life.”

Cllr Slater regained his position on the parish uncontested, but lost his Hazlemere South seat on Wycombe District Council by 446 votes.