A councillor forced to resign from a top job by his own party now faces a national investigation into his conduct.

Conservative George Stephens finally fell on his sword after twice refusing to step down as executive member for the environment on Tory-run Worthing Borough Council.

Now he is being reported to the Standards Board for England after councillor Keith Mercer, leader of the council, alleged there had been a "conflict of interest" over a matter relating to Worthing Crematorium.

Coun Stephens' resignation resulted in an extraordinary meeting of the full council, called by Mayor Nick John, being cancelled.

Councillor Bob Smytherman, leader of the Lib Dem opposition, demanded a full public statement on the issue.

He said: "We are certainly glad he has resigned but it's a pity he didn't do it a week ago. We now need to know the details of why he has had to resign and why Coun Mercer got rid of him so quickly. We need a full public statement."

Coun Mercer said: "He sent me an email in which he announced his resignation. There was no explanation at all. What prompted George's resignation was his acknowledgement that he couldn't carry out all of his duties, particularly in relation to the crematorium."

Coun Mercer said he was reporting the matter to the Standards Board for England, saying there appeared to have been a breach of the council's code of conduct in relation to Coun Stephens' business interests.

He said he would be taking on Coun Stephens' role in the short-term while a replacement for the job was sought.

Coun Stephens' portolio included pursuing the possible merger of Worthing and Adur councils, household waste collection and recycling, and the crematorium, the future of which was currently being discussed.

Coun Stephens did not respond to calls to comment.