Gosport Reform councillor won't stand down despite resignation calls over bankruptcy
Councillor Paul Carter was declared bankrupt in September
A Gosport councillor who has faced calls to resign after filing for bankruptcy has stated he has no intention of standing down.
Councillor Paul Carter, who represents the Bridgemary ward on Gosport Borough Council, was declared bankrupt in September.
He has since faced multiple calls to resign on social media from members of the public. However, the Electoral Commission states “bankruptcy in itself is not a disqualification” for someone to stand or be a member of local government.
Cllr Carter had previously owned a cash-and-carry business with his wife Jess Carter, P&J's Cash & Carry in Gosport, and won Retailer of the Year Award at the Gosport Business Awards in 2023. However, they were forced to close in August after increasing financial pressures.
Cllr Carter said: “Many businesses, especially small family run independents right across the country are closing due to increased National insurance, Minimum wage increase, utility bills and rents.
“One of our major suppliers ceased trading some months back and this had a knock on effect on our business model which hit our family business hard.
“I am an individual who is solely focussed on serving my community and have done for many years including donating to many charities, volunteering with youth organisations and celebrating community successes - and will continue to do so in my councillor role.”