PUBLIC outrage over MP s expenses shouldn t stop Ottery residents from choosing the town s county council representative next month- according to the man who has held the position for the past 16 years.

PUBLIC outrage over MP's expenses shouldn't stop Ottery residents from choosing the town's county council representative next month- according to the man who has held the position for the past 16 years.

As financial revelations have stirred disgust amongst tax-payers over the past fortnight, Roger Giles has urged all Ottery residents to turn out for the Devon County Council (DCC) elections on June 4.

This week East Devon MP Angela Browning, whose Tiverton and Honiton constituency includes Ottery, denied she had abused the expenses system, despite claiming nearly �37,000 more than the average politician.

The Conservative MP's expenses were disclosed as �154,738 for 2007/08. The average was �118,000.

Her second home allowance was �22,873- just �210 off the maximum allowed.

When asked if she had abused the expenses system, she said: "No, I certainly do not. Not on my part.

"None were outside the rules, but I do acknowledge the rules are no longer acceptable."

Independent Party member Mr Giles will go head to head with Liberal Democrat William Laitinen, Conservative David Cox,British National Party member Stephen O'Hara and Labour candidate Dorothy Anne Parker for the DCC post.

He hopes public outrage won't deter residents from choosing who they want to represent them.

He said: "Our democratic system is very precious, but is currently under threat because of the behaviour of MPs who have brought party politics into disrepute.

"However, I hope that electors will take part in the elections and will vote for the person they feel would be the most effective councillor. Party political labels should form no part of that decision.