PHOTO IN CANNABIS CAFE FANS CALL FOR RESIGNATION

GOSPORT'S Lib Dem leader Councillor Mike Russell is facing calls to stand
down after a picture of him in a cannabis cafe was published.

The image shows Cllr Russell, at the first anniversary celebrations of a
cannabis cafe in Worthing, West Sussex, being embraced by supporters of the
legalisation of cannabis.

Leesland councillor Peter Chegwyn said he would quit the Lib Dem group if
Cllr Russell stayed on as leader -- following in the footsteps of Leesland
Cllr Dave Smith and Privett Cllr Keith Gill, who have also resigned.

Peter Chegwyn said: 'I find it amusing he's trying to cling on. The party
is doomed all the time he remains as leader.

Cllr Russell admitted people were openly taking cannabis, but added that he
did not condone drug taking.

'I'm the leader and I have the confidence of seven members of my group.

'I have no intention of resigning or stepping down.'