A councillor who has been suspended by the Labour Party says she lives in "the heart of Brighton". 

Councillor Chandni Mistry, for Queen's Park ward, was one of two councillors under investigation by the Labour Party over claims they live in Leicester.

To be a councillor you need to be registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

Cllr Mistry has disputed these claims and today told The Argus: "I wish to take this opportunity to confirm that I am currently undergoing an internal Labour party investigation and my party whip was withdrawn a few working hours prior to the deadline to apply for the Labour Brighton Pavilion MP seat, an area in which I currently reside.

"I suspect these two events to be independent. As this is currently an ongoing inquiry, I am unable to comment on particulars of the matter."

Asked if she had considered running as a candidate for Brighton Pavilion as an MP she said: "The thought had crossed my mind as I was encouraged by the local community to put myself forward."

"I reside in the heart of Brighton."