THE former leader of Dorset County Council, Spencer Flower, is unlikely to reapply to join the Conservative group at County Hall for at least six months.

But the Daily Echo also understands that a number of councillors want to see him back as leader.

Cllr Flower, 72, of Aggis Farm, Verwood, was found guilty by a judge at Bournemouth of failing to comply with the Localism Act over a declaration of pecuniary interest in Synergy Housing at an East Dorset meeting on the controversial core strategy.

He was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £930 costs.

Currently he remains suspended from the Conservative group, which came into effect when he was charged in December.

Group secretary Cllr David Jones said: "The onus is on Spencer to reapply and that will be considered by the group if and when that happens.

"In the meantime, he effectively sits as an independent but can play a full role as a county councillor."

He added: "This is what the rules say and I can't comment on anything else."

However it is believed that Cllr Flower is likely to wait until the period of his conditional discharge ends before making an application.

It is understood Conservative Central Office could veto an earlier move as the legislation under which he was convicted was brought in by the Conservative communities and local government secretary, Eric Pickles and was the first of its kind under the Localism Act.

Meanwhile several county councillors have indicated they would like to see Cllr Flower back as leader although others would vigorously oppose it.

Several were in court to support their colleague including Peter Wharf and Bill Trite.

Cllr Flower was replaced by Robert Gould at a special council meeting in December.

It's still unclear if Cllr Flower will restand for his seat on East Dorset District Council on May 7 and under what political banner.

He declined to comment on that after the case.

Councillor Ian Monks, leader of the EDDC, also refused to comment adding: “That is a matter for the constituency association.”

A spokesman for EDDC said: "Cllr Spencer Flower continues to remain a member of East Dorset District Council. Although we advise councillors on matters relating to the Localism Act, it is for each councillor to come to their own decision whether or not they believe they have a declarable interest.

"Nominations for the forthcoming local elections are still open, therefore we do not yet know whether Cllr Flower intends to stand again.

Speaking after the court judgement, Detective Inspector Neil Devoto of Dorset Police said the force is “duty bound” to investigate all allegations of criminality.

He added: “It is important that the public have confidence in local representatives and local politics and can trust that due process takes place.”

A spokesperson from county council said the matter has been taken “extremely seriously."