ABSENTEE councillor Paul Smith, who claimed life was too hectic to attend vital meetings, has applied to appear on Big Brother. The 22-year-old queued for hours, according to his own social networking page, in a bid to audition for the Channel 4 reality

ABSENTEE councillor Paul Smith, who claimed life was too hectic to attend vital meetings, has applied to appear on Big Brother.

The 22-year-old queued for hours, according to his own social networking page, in a bid to audition for the Channel 4 reality show.

Fortunately for his Hatfield East constituents the Tory failed to make it past round two.

Labour's wannabe MP Mike Hobday said: "While I wish Cllr Smith every success in seeking a celebrity career, this demonstrates yet again that he is giving too low a priority to serving his constituents in Hatfield.

"Having not turned up to a council meeting since November, it now appears he wanted to take another 12 weeks off his council duties in the summer.

"It's time for him to resign and let someone with more time and commitment take over."

Mr Hobday has also begun a petition calling for Cllr Smith's resignation.

Constituent Kieran Thorpe of Church Lane, Hatfield, signed the petition on Saturday, calling the behaviour shameful.

He said: "I was shocked to find out Cllr Smith was no longer representing his ward.

"Taxpayers shouldn't be expected to see money given to councillors who are not prepared to fulfil their roles.